Satheesan to meet PM Modi on May 26 for first time after assuming office as Kerala CM
New Delhi/Kochi, May 23 Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will hold his first official meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in New Delhi, marking a politically significant engagement soon after assuming office.
Satheesan, who arrived in Delhi late on Friday for a series of high-level meetings with Congress leaders, is expected to return to Kochi later on Saturday before flying back to the national capital for the meeting with the Prime Minister.
The upcoming interaction with PM Modi is being closely watched, as it will be the first formal meeting between the Prime Minister and the newly sworn-in Kerala Chief Minister.
Though details of the agenda have not been officially disclosed, the discussions are expected to focus on Kerala's immediate development priorities, central assistance and key state issues requiring Union government intervention.
Earlier in the day, Satheesan held back-to-back meetings with senior Congress leaders, signalling the party leadership's continued engagement with the new Kerala administration.
He first met Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal at around 9 a.m., followed by discussions with Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge.
Satheesan later met senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
During the interactions, he is learnt to have thanked the Congress high command for its support during the Assembly elections.
Organisational matters and the party's future political strategy were also discussed, according to sources.
Meanwhile, Satheesan's first visit to Delhi after becoming Chief Minister drew enthusiastic crowds at Kerala House, where students and supporters gathered late into the night to greet him.
The Chief Minister spent time interacting with visitors and posed for photographs, adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding his arrival in the national capital.
Satheesan led the Congress-led United Democratic Front to a stunning victory in the Assembly elections.
The UDF won 102 seats, while the Left was reduced to just 35 seats from 99. The BJP also reopened its account by winning three seats.
On Monday (May 18), Satheesan, along with 20 of his Cabinet colleagues, was sworn in.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Let's see how much the PM actually listens. Kerala has been neglected for too long by the central government, especially during the floods and COVID. I hope Satheesan raises the issue of GST compensation and the Vizhinjam port project seriously. Actions speak louder than photo ops.
Great to see this meeting happening early. Satheesan is a calm and capable administrator - exactly what Kerala needs after the last government's confrontational approach. Hope he can convince Delhi to release more funds for the state's rebuilding efforts. The people of Kerala voted for development, not politics.
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. Congress leaders always talk tough before elections but then go to Delhi with a begging bowl. Satheesan needs to maintain Kerala's dignity and not just be a yes-man. The state has unique needs like rehabilitation of returnees from Gulf and climate change adaptation - these should be non-negotiable demands.
Love the energy at Kerala House! Our new CM is so approachable and down to earth. The fact that he spent time with students and supporters late at night shows his commitment to connect with people. This is a fresh start for Kerala politics - less drama, more development! 🌟
Important meeting, no doubt. But I wish Satheesan would focus more on Kerala's internal issues like the financial crisis and unemployment rather than just seeking central handouts. The state needs structural reforms, not just begging for more money. Let's hope this meeting leads to some real change, not just headlines.
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