Thiruvananthapuram, 14 May (H.S.): Ending 11 days of intense speculation and internal discussions, the Congress High Command on Thursday announced senior Congress leader V D Satheesan as the new Chief Minister of Kerala following the United Democratic Front’s decisive victory in the Assembly elections.

The announcement was made in New Delhi by AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi, who declared Satheesan as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and the party’s choice for the top post in the state.

In his first reaction after being chosen as Chief Minister, Satheesan described the decision as a “huge responsibility” entrusted to him by the Indian National Congress and the people of Kerala.

“Lakhs of UDF workers and leaders worked together as ‘Team UDF’ and made this possible. The promises we made before the people will be fulfilled. Through hard work and commitment, we will improve the quality of life of the people of Kerala,” Satheesan said.

Soon after the announcement, celebrations erupted across several parts of Kerala, especially in Satheesan’s home turf of Paravur, the constituency he has represented continuously since 2001. Party workers burst crackers, distributed sweets, waved UDF flags and gathered in large numbers carrying placards and T-shirts bearing Satheesan’s image.

Satheesan, who had earlier travelled to Thiruvananthapuram with his family, was at the Cantonment House when the official announcement was made by the party leadership in Delhi.

Senior Congress leader and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal welcomed the decision and said the High Command had arrived at the choice after extensive consultations and careful consideration of multiple political and organisational factors.

“The party leadership has unanimously decided on V D Satheesan as the CLP leader and Chief Minister of Kerala after proper discussions,” Venugopal told reporters, adding that the formal CLP meeting would be held later in the day to complete procedural formalities.

Venugopal, who had earlier met Rahul Gandhi at his residence for nearly an hour, said he wholeheartedly welcomed the decision taken by the leadership.

Meanwhile, KPCC president Sunny Joseph confirmed that the Congress High Command had officially communicated its decision to the party’s Kerala leadership.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new UDF government is expected to take place early next week.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman