Staff Reporter / Thiruvananthapuram:
Putting an end to the high drama and suspense that lasted for ten days, Congress today announced the name of V D Satheeshan as the new Chief Minister of Keralam. The announcement was made by Congress leaders Ajay Maken, Mukul Wasnik, Deepa Dasmunshi during a press conference in New Delhi.
With the announcement, Congress-led UDF will proceed to form the government in the State, ending days of speculation as the top leaders tussled among themselves for the post. UDF secured a more than two-thirds majority in the Kerala Assembly elections, but the party was unable to decide its chief ministerial face due to lobbying by different camps and protests by workers at the ground level.
Based on the article from Manorama Online dated May 14, 2026, here is the news report in English:
From Student Leader to Kerala Chief Minister
V.D. Satheesan, the prominent Congress leader and “hero of Paravur,” is set to take the reins of Kerala as the new Chief Minister. This milestone marks a dual victory for Satheesan—first, his successful re-election to the state assembly, and second, his selection as the party’s choice for the top post following intense internal discussions.
A Political Journey Rooted in Student Activism
Born on May 31, 1964, in Nettoor, Ernakulam, to Vadassery Damodara Menon and Vilasini Amma, Satheesan’s political career began in his school days. He served as a school leader at Panangad High School and later became a union office-bearer at Thevara S.H. College. His leadership skills were further honed as the MG University Union Chairman and the National Secretary of the NSU.
A law graduate by profession, Satheesan practiced as an advocate for several years before dedicating himself fully to public service.
Career Milestones
Satheesan has held numerous significant positions within the Indian National Congress and the State Legislature:
- Leader of the Opposition: He served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly from 2021 to 2026, where he was noted for his sharp parliamentary interventions.
- Organizational Roles: He has served as a member of the KPCC Political Affairs Committee, Vice President of KPCC for five years, and AICC Secretary in charge of Tamil Nadu.
- Legislative Excellence: He chaired the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimate Committee. His performance in the assembly has earned him over 25 “Best MLA” awards.
The Stronghold of Paravur
For the past 30 years, V.D. Satheesan has been synonymous with the Congress party in the Paravur constituency. Although he lost his first election in 1996 to CPI’s P. Raju by a narrow margin of 1,116 votes, he remained dedicated to the region.
Since 2001, he has maintained an unbroken winning streak:
- 2001: Won by 7,434 votes.
- 2011: Defeated veteran leader Pannyan Raveendran by 11,349 votes.
- 2016: Increased his margin to 20,634 votes.
- 2021: Secured a victory with 21,301 votes.
- 2026: In the most recent election, he defeated CPI’s E.T. Tyson by 20,600 votes.
Personal Life
Satheesan is married to Lakshmi Priya, and the couple has a daughter, Unnimaya. Known for his deep emotional bond with his constituency, Satheesan has often remarked that a visit to Paravur is his remedy for any personal or political stress.
As he prepares to lead the state, the political landscape of Kerala looks forward to a leadership defined by his decades of experience and legislative expertise.