Following a unanimous election as Congress Legislature Party leader, Satheesan officially submits letters of support to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking the formal transition of power in Kerala, Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan on Thursday evening to officially stake his claim to form the next government.
The high-profile meeting followed a crucial Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting where Satheesan was unanimously elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP).
“After the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting, met the Governor and staked a claim to form the government,” Satheesan announced in a social media update post-meeting. He was accompanied to the Lok Bhavan by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph and All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of the state, Deepa Dasmunsi.
According to an official communique from the Lok Bhavan, Governor Arlekar accepted the claim and formally handed over the letter of appointment to the Chief Minister-designate. During the meeting, Satheesan presented the comprehensive letters of support from all coalition partners within the United Democratic Front (UDF). The Governor extended his congratulations and conveyed his best wishes to the incoming Chief Minister for his upcoming tenure.
The formal process culminates an 11-day period of intense deliberation following the UDF’s resounding victory in the Kerala assembly elections. The front secured a commanding mandate by winning 102 seats in the 140-member state legislature. The Congress party emerged as the single largest entity within the alliance, capturing 63 seats.
Earlier on Thursday, the Congress High Command in New Delhi put an end to days of political anticipation by officially naming Satheesan for the top legislative post. While senior leader Ramesh Chennithala and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal were initially considered prominent contenders in the leadership race, the party high command ultimately consolidated support behind Satheesan to guide the new administration.
Details regarding the official swearing-in ceremony and the structure of the incoming cabinet are expected to be announced by the UDF leadership shortly.
