"Richly deserved recognition": Shashi Tharoor congratulates VD Satheesan on being named as Kerala CM
New Delhi, May 14
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday congratulated VD Satheesan on being named the Chief Minister of Kerala, calling it a "richly deserved recognition" of his leadership, dedication, and service to the party and the people of the state.
He said he was delighted by Satheesan's appointment and recalled campaigning alongside him during the Assembly elections.
He also stressed that the United Democratic Front's (UDF) victory was a collective mandate for the alliance and called on all senior leaders and alliance partners to work together to meet the expectations of the people of the state.
In a post on X, Tharoor wrote, "Heartiest congratulations to Shri @VDSatheesan ji on being named leader of the Congress Legislature Party and Chief Minister-designate of Kerala -- a richly deserved recognition of his tenacity, conviction, and years of dedicated service to our party and people. I campaigned alongside him and am delighted by his richly deserved appointment."
"At the same time, we all realise that the mandate that propels him to office is not one man's victory -- it is a mandate for Team UDF. Every senior leader bears an important role and responsibility in ensuring this government lives up to the expectations of the people of Kerala. The strength of our alliance lies in its plurality, and we all look forward to every constituent working in concert to build a Kerala that is prosperous, just, and forward-looking. The people of Kerala have placed their trust in us. Let us honour it by working together to transform the state," the post read.
Earlier in the day, Congress officially announced that Satheesean, whose leadership helped the UDF alliance sweep back to power in Keralam, has been appointed as the chief minister.
The six-time MLA from Peravoor, Vadassery Damodaran Satheesan, who turns 62 at the end of this month, had steered the United Democratic Front's (UDF) landslide victory in the 2026 Assembly Elections, where the alliance secured a thumping 102 seats in the 140-member house.
In his first response after the announcement, which comes after the declaration of the State Assembly results on May 4, Satheesan said, "I express sincere gratitude to my party, the AICC leadership."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Tharoor's comments are typical Congress-style diplomacy - praising everyone while subtly reminding them of the collective effort. But let's be honest, Satheesan's leadership during the campaign was phenomenal. He turned a tired alliance into a winning machine. Kerala needs stability now, not drama.
Heartiest congratulations to VD Satheesan! 🎉 It's good to see a seasoned leader finally get his due. Tharoor's words about "collective mandate" are important - this isn't about one person. The UDF has a tough job ahead with so many expectations. Hope they focus on development and jobs.
I've been following Kerala politics from abroad. This is a historic moment. Satheesan went from being a backroom strategist to the face of the party. Tharoor's praise is genuine - they've worked together closely. The real test will be governance. Let's see if they can balance development with Kerala's fiscal realities.
Respect to both leaders for this gracious exchange. But I hope Tharoor's call for unity isn't just lip service. Kerala's alliance politics can be messy. The UDF has a golden opportunity - let's not waste it on internal squabbles. Satheesan needs to be the leader everyone rallies behind.
"Richly deserved recognition" - absolutely! Satheesan has been the true workhorse of Kerala Congress for decades. Tharoor's position as a national figure adds weight to this congratulations. But I hope the CM-designate remembers that 102 seats came with promises - education, healthcare, and infrastructure need immediate attention.
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