The Congress party is still undecided on who will be Kerala's next Chief Minister, even after discussions between party leaders. Several leaders are vying for the position, and the high command is waiting for the political climate to calm down before making an announcement.
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, citing his vision, competence, and strength. Other Congress leaders have also expressed their views on the new CM.
NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair stated that the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly polls was due to public dissatisfaction with the government, not individual efforts. He also mentioned ongoing differences with Congress leader V D Satheesan but denied issuing directions on whom to support in the elections.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated V D Satheesan on being named as the Kerala CM and expressed his desire to work together to protect the shared interests of both states.
Amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding the selection of the next Kerala chief minister, the Congress high command has summoned key party leaders to New Delhi for discussions.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party will accept the high command's decision regarding the chief ministerial post in Kerala. He emphasised that the delay in the decision-making process is part of a democratic procedure and urged party workers to refrain from protests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers of most states to assess their preparedness and strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.
Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the party high command was likely to take a final decision on Kerala's next CM within 24 hours as lobbying intensifies among the three top contenders for the chief minister's post.
Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty has criticised former DGPs R Sreelekha and T P Senkumar for their alleged adverse remarks against the police, questioning the timing and appropriateness of their statements.
Film director Sanoj Mishra met the family of Monalisa Bhonsle, the viral Kumbh girl who recently married a Muslim man, alleging 'love jihad' and promising to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.
A CPI(M) worker in Kerala has been booked for allegedly installing a flex board expressing support for Congress leader KC Venugopal in the Kerala Chief Minister race, sparking a political row.
The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.
CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby criticised the Congress-led UDF over internal divisions and the leadership race in Kerala, mocking the frequent consultations between Kerala and Delhi.
The Congress-led UDF has swept back to power in Kerala, sparking celebrations and discussions about forming the new government. Senior leaders are vying for the Chief Minister's post, while the defeated CPI(M)-led LDF grapples with the reasons for their loss after 10 years in power.
Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage
An IUML MLA has stated that the delay in the Congress party's decision on who should be the Chief Minister of Kerala has diminished the UDF's victory and is making it difficult for workers and MLAs to engage with the public.
As the CLP meeting passed a resolution authorising the party's high command to decide the next CM, observers will file a report to the Congress national leadership, who will take the final call.
Newly appointed Kerala CM V D Satheesan seeks guidance from senior Congress leaders A K Antony and V M Sudheeran, receiving advice on navigating the challenges of leadership and addressing the state's financial and developmental issues.
Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, emphasising the need for a strong team to meet public expectations. He highlighted the importance of unity within the party and the focus on public welfare.
The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.
Intense lobbying is underway in Kerala as V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala vie for the chief minister's post, with their camps citing popularity, MLA support, and experience as key factors for the Congress high command's decision.
Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.
Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.
'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.
Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.
The Leader of Opposition in Kerala is demanding answers from the Chief Minister regarding allegations against Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar made by his wife, questioning the government's commitment to women's safety.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expresses confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) prospects in the upcoming Kerala elections, predicting a stronger mandate and criticising the Congress and BJP.
V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.
Congress MLA-elect A D Thomas has said strong action would be taken over the alleged assault on party workers, including himself, by gunmen of then CM Pinarayi Vijayan during the 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas, after the UDF government assumes charge.
V D Satheesan, the Congress CM candidate for Kerala, expressed his gratitude to the party high command and key leaders for their support after being named Chief Minister.
The LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan announced that the Left front would seek public input to address shortcomings after their defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections, where they won only 35 out of 140 seats.
The ruling LDF in Kerala faces criticism after infidelity allegations against Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar surfaced, with the opposition UDF questioning the government's response and commitment to women's safety.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and LDF in Kerala of colluding, citing the lack of action by central agencies against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan despite corruption allegations.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has voiced its support for V D Satheesan as the potential Chief Minister of Kerala if the Congress-led UDF alliance wins, drawing criticism from SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, who suggests this indicates the IUML would effectively rule the state.
Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer, Ratan U Kelkar, addressed concerns regarding the release of detailed polling data from the recent Assembly elections, defending the timeline and transparency of the process.
Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas accuses UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form the government after the Assembly poll results.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) victory in the upcoming Kerala elections, dismissing allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP understanding and criticising the Congress party's approach.
Congress MP K Sudhakaran reaffirms his stance on who should be the Kerala CM if the UDF wins the upcoming Assembly polls, following a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.