Kerala: Governor Arlekar Invites Satheesan to Lead New Govt

In a decisive step toward Kerala’s governance renewal, Governor Rajendra Arlekar has called upon VD Satheesan to stake his claim for Chief Ministership. The Congress leader, elected unanimously by his party MLAs and supported by UDF allies, met the Governor Thursday, handing over proof of majority.

The UDF’s commanding 102-seat haul in the 140-member house underscores the electorate’s clear preference, propelling the alliance into power. With this nod, the stage is set for Monday’s collective swearing-in of the 21-member ministry.

Congress is working overtime to lock in the cabinet list pre-weekend, aiming for an orderly assumption of office. The legislative assembly session follows on May 21, formalizing the new MLAs’ positions.

Unlike the protracted negotiations in Tamil Nadu—where Arlekar’s interventions were tested by seat-count ambiguities—Kerala’s process has been remarkably fluid post the high command’s endorsement of Satheesan.

The day’s key event, the Congress MLAs’ conclave, featured Sunny Joseph’s formal nomination, backed by Tiruvanchur Radhakrishnan. Veteran voices like Mukul Wasnik and Deepa Dasmunshi lauded the trio of Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala for their pivotal campaign orchestration.

This seamless shift heralds a stable UDF administration, ready to address Kerala’s pressing challenges with renewed vigor.