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VD Satheesan Meets Pinarayi Vijayan Ahead of Swearing-In as Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan met outgoing CM Pinarayi Vijayan as part of courtesy visits before his May 18 swearing-in. He also visited senior Congress leader AK Antony to seek his blessings and shared a message of gratitude on social media. Satheesan recalled the late G Karthikeyan's pivotal role in shaping his political career, crediting him for encouraging his return to active politics. He reiterated that Kerala's election results were a mandate for secularism, vowing to protect the state's secular character.

Key Points: VD Satheesan Meets Pinarayi Vijayan Ahead of Oath-Taking

  • VD Satheesan visits Pinarayi Vijayan at his residence
  • Seeks blessings from senior Congress leader AK Antony
  • Recalls late leader G Karthikeyan's role in his political career
  • Praises UDF convenor Adoor Prakash for election coordination
  • Vows to maintain secularism in Kerala after UDF's landslide win
3 min read

Keralam CM-designate VD Satheesan meets Pinarayi Vijayan ahead of swearing-in ceremony

Kerala CM-designate VD Satheesan meets outgoing CM Pinarayi Vijayan, seeks blessings from AK Antony, and vows to uphold secularism ahead of May 18 swearing-in.

"Some people are trying to start the hate campaign in Keralam. This is secular Keralam. - VD Satheesan"

Thiruvananthapuram, May 15

Keralam Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan on Friday met outgoing Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram as part of a series of courtesy visits ahead of his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 18.

Satheesan also visited senior Congress leader AK Antony to seek his blessings and later shared a message on X expressing gratitude for Antony's support and guidance.

"Visited #AKAntony Sir and sought his blessings. His unwavering support, guidance, and wisdom continue to be a great source of strength as we move forward with renewed commitment and responsibility," Satheesan wrote.

The Chief Minister-designate also visited the residence of late Congress leader G Karthikeyan and met his family. Speaking to reporters, Satheesan recalled Karthikeyan's role in shaping his political career.

"Everyone knows my relationship with Karthikeyan sir. I am someone who had actually moved away from student and youth politics. When I returned, it was he who insisted that I contest for the Assembly in 1996 and 2001," Satheesan said.

Satheesan also met AK Antony and K Karunakaran and told them that he would be an asset to the party if he became an MLA, and it was he who brought me to that path," he added.

Satheesan said Karthikeyan's family remained like his own family and described the late leader as the person who introduced him to mainstream politics.

The Congress leader also visited UDF convenor and Congress MP Adoor Prakash at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram.

Speaking to reporters, Satheesan praised Adoor Prakash for effectively coordinating the United Democratic Front (UDF) during the Assembly elections.

"He is the convener of the UDF and very senior to me. During this election period, he worked very hard, travelling across Keralam, coordinating the UDF, and ensuring the success of initiatives like the 'Puthuyuga Yatra'. The results we see are a testament to that," Satheesan said.

The Chief Minister-designate also reiterated that Keralam had voted in favour of secularism in the Assembly elections.

"Some people are trying to start the hate campaign in Keralam. This is secular Keralam. The result of this election is a declaration of the Keralam people to the entire country that our state is secular. We will keep it that way," he said.

The Congress-led UDF secured a sweeping victory in the 140-member Keralam Assembly, winning 102 seats and ending the Left Democratic Front's decade-long rule in the state. Satheesan is scheduled to take oath as Chief Minister on May 18 at 10 am at Lok Bhavan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartwarming to see Satheesan acknowledge veteran leaders like Karthikeyan and Antony. In Indian politics, respecting one's mentors is crucial. But I hope he doesn't just rely on old guard — Keralam needs young, dynamic leadership now. The "Puthuyuga Yatra" was a good start, but implementation will be key.
J
James A
Interesting to see how Keralam's politics remains grounded in tradition — visiting former rivals and seeking blessings. This is something unique to India, where political transitions are often accompanied by such gestures. Satheesan's emphasis on secularism is reassuring amid rising polarization across the country. Good luck to the new CM!
R
Rohit P
Let's see if Satheesan can actually deliver on the secularism promise. The UDF ran on development and anti-incumbency, not just ideology. I'm skeptical — Keralam has high expectations after the LDF's decade-long rule. The "hate campaign" warning is valid, but actions speak louder than words. Hope he prioritizes jobs and infrastructure over optics.
S
Sarah B
The visit to Karthikeyan's family was a nice touch — shows Satheesan remembers his roots. Indian politicians often move on quickly, but this reflects the strong personal bonds here. I'm curious how he'll manage the UDF coalition, though. With 102 seats, unity is crucial. Fingers crossed for Keralam's future!
V
Vikram M
A respectful change of guard — Satheesan meeting Vijayan shows statesmanship. But I'm a bit concerned about the "secular Keralam" rhetoric being

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