I Dedicate My Chief Ministership to People of Kerala: VD Satheesan

Speaking to the media at his residence, Cantonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, shortly after the AICC in Delhi announced his appointment, Satheeshan began by thanking AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and other top party leaders for selecting him. He expressed gratitude to the UDF workers and leadership, crediting them for his rise, and to the people of Kerala for giving them this responsibility. He noted that the people ended the LDF’s 10-year rule, bringing the UDF to power with 102 seats. Promising to fulfill their commitments, improve living standards, and usher in a new era, he described political work and public service as a duty to the people, adding that he feels there is something divine in the responsibility entrusted to them.

Satheeshan expressed his gratitude to AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala for their valuable contributions to the UDF victory. “The entire effort was coordinated by K C Venugopal, who stayed in touch with us and took care of even the basic requirements. Campaign committee chairman and former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, who is also my leader, guided us throughout,” he said.

He also thanked AICC general secretary in charge Deepa Dasmunshi, the PCC president, and all the leaders of the UDF alliance partners.

“Kerala is going through a serious phase. There’s no time to waste; we must get down to business and build a team that can meet the expectations of all sections of society. One person alone cannot achieve this. A team will take on the responsibility of leading the state into a new era. I thank the people of Kerala from the bottom of my heart. I dedicate my chief ministership to the people,” he said.

Satheeshan said there was no delay in electing the CLP leader, noting that in other states the CM selection had taken several days. With many issues to consider, the leadership had to consult MPs, MLAs, senior leaders, and weigh all factors before making a decision. He pointed out that with the Congress party’s galaxy of leaders, choosing one person is always a challenge. He thanked Team UDF for standing united throughout the campaign and expressed gratitude to Indian Union Muslim League supremo Sadikali Shihab Thangal, P K Kunhalikutty, Kerala Congress (Joseph) chief P J Joseph, RSP leader Shibu Baby John, and CMP leader C P John. On staking claim to form the government, he said the next step would follow discussions with the Congress legislature party, senior leaders, and UDF alliance leaders. The CLP meeting would be held later in the day after the arrival of AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepadas Munshi, along with AICC observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken.