Shashi Tharoor Congratulates VD Satheesan on Becoming Kerala's Chief Minister
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor congratulated V.D. Satheesan on his election as Kerala's Chief Minister, highlighting the collective mandate of the UDF. Tharoor called for unity among leaders to meet the expectations of the people. Satheesan, a seasoned politician, has been instrumental in leading the UDF to a significant victory in the recent assembly elections. This article delves into Tharoor's remarks and the implications of Satheesan's leadership for Kerala's future.
| May 14, 2026, 19:04 IST
Tharoor Extends Congratulations to New Chief Minister
On Thursday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor congratulated V.D. Satheesan on his election as the Chief Minister of Kerala, describing it as a testament to his leadership, dedication, and service to both the party and the state's citizens. Tharoor expressed his joy over Satheesan's appointment and reminisced about their campaign experiences during the assembly elections. He emphasized that the victory of the United Democratic Front (UDF) represents a collective mandate and called upon all senior leaders and coalition partners to collaborate in meeting the expectations of the people of Kerala. In a post, Tharoor stated, 'Heartfelt congratulations to V.D. Satheesan for being chosen as the leader of the Congress legislative party and as the Chief Minister candidate for Kerala. This is a true recognition of his perseverance, unwavering faith, and years of dedicated service to our party and the public. I had the pleasure of campaigning alongside him, and I am thrilled about his well-deserved appointment.'
A Collective Mandate for Progress
Tharoor further noted that the mandate that brought them to power is not merely a victory for one individual but a mandate for the entire UDF team. He highlighted the crucial role and responsibility of every senior leader in fulfilling the expectations of the people of Kerala. 'The strength of our coalition lies in its diversity, and we all hope for cooperation among all components to build a prosperous, just, and progressive Kerala. The people of Kerala have placed their trust in us. Let us honor this by working together to transform the state.'
Official Announcement of Satheesan's Appointment
Earlier in the day, the Congress party officially announced that Satheesan, who led the UDF coalition back to power in Kerala, has been appointed as the Chief Minister.
Satheesan's Political Journey
V.D. Satheesan, a six-time MLA from Peravoor, will turn 62 at the end of this month. He played a pivotal role in leading the UDF to a remarkable victory in the 2026 assembly elections, where the coalition secured 102 seats in the 140-member assembly.