Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan Meets PM Modi After Taking Office
Kerala's newly sworn-in Chief Minister VD Satheesan met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment for the Congress-led UDF following their election victory. The meeting, which highlighted the state's cultural heritage through a Kathakali dancer statue, focused on seeking central support for vital development projects and addressing Kerala's financial challenges. Despite the meeting's importance, Satheesan remained silent on the discussions' outcomes. He is also set to meet with the Union Finance Minister to further advocate for financial assistance. This encounter signals a new chapter in Kerala's governance and development efforts.
May 26, 2026, 13:31 IST
Significant Meeting Post Election Victory
VD Satheesan, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Kerala, had his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his assumption of office. This encounter marks a pivotal moment after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power. The meeting was highlighted by Satheesan presenting a statue of a Kathakali dancer, symbolizing the region's rich cultural heritage. This interaction took place after the UDF's impressive victory in the state elections, which ended a decade-long gap in governance.
New Government's Focus on Development
Satheesan, who took the oath of office on May 18 as Kerala's 13th Chief Minister, was sworn in alongside 20 ministers, many of whom are newcomers to politics. In line with the clear electoral mandate from the UDF, the new administration aims to address the state's immediate needs by prioritizing infrastructure, investment, and job creation. Key departments have been allocated, with Satheesan overseeing influential portfolios such as finance and law, while other strategic sectors are led by prominent Congress leaders.
Seeking Central Support for Development Projects
According to sources, the Chief Minister presented a comprehensive memorandum to seek central support for several crucial development projects and financial packages for the state, while also discussing various pending issues related to Kerala. Although the official details of the discussions were not made public, it is known that topics such as infrastructure development, financial assistance, pending railway and highway projects, disaster relief aid, and Kerala's overall financial condition were prominently featured in the talks.
CM Remains Tight-Lipped Post-Meeting
Despite the political significance of the meeting, Satheesan remained tight-lipped as he exited the venue, avoiding media inquiries regarding the outcomes of his discussions with the Prime Minister. During his two-day visit to the national capital, he is temporarily staying at Kerala House. Later in the day, Satheesan is scheduled to meet with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to request additional financial support for Kerala in light of the state's ongoing financial challenges.