Senior Congress leader V. D. Satheesan is likely to become the next Chief Minister of Kerala as the Congress high command moves closer to finalising its leadership decision following the UDF’s Assembly election victory.
After days of intense discussions in Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan has reportedly emerged as the strongest choice for the top post within the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). The delay in the announcement had triggered massive speculation and meme trends across Kerala social media, with users sarcastically asking whether the Congress was “still buffering” the CM decision.
Sources within the Congress indicate that the leadership discussions involved balancing regional equations, senior leaders’ interests, and organisational strategy for the new government. However, Satheesan’s strong public image, aggressive opposition role, and support among party MLAs reportedly gave him a major advantage in the final phase of discussions.
The official announcement is expected after the Congress Legislature Party meeting, where elected MLAs will formally choose their legislative leader. Once confirmed, Satheesan will lead the UDF government after the alliance secured a decisive mandate against the ruling LDF in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
Satheesan, who served as the Leader of Opposition during the previous Assembly term, played a major role in leading protests and campaigns against the Pinarayi Vijayan government on issues including corruption allegations, financial management, and governance.
Meanwhile, Congress workers across Kerala have already started celebrations in anticipation of the announcement. Posters, social media campaigns, and congratulatory messages supporting Satheesan have become increasingly visible in several districts.
Even before the official confirmation, Kerala’s meme creators continue to dominate social media with jokes about the “10-day suspense thriller” surrounding the Chief Minister selection process. Many users sarcastically claimed that the CM announcement generated more suspense than election counting day itself.
If officially announced, Satheesan’s elevation will mark a major generational shift within Kerala Congress politics and could redefine the party’s leadership structure in the state for the coming years.
