VD Satheesan capable of leading UDF: RSP leader NK Premachandran
Thiruvananthapuram, May 16
RSP leader and MP, NK Premachandran, on Saturday said that the secular credentials of Congress leader and Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan cannot be challenged, and he is a perfect candidate to lead the UDF alliance in Keralam.
"We wish him the best, and I hope he will be the best Chief Minister we have ever seen. He is capable of leading the United Democratic Front. His efficiency, calibre, foresight, and innovative ideas will certainly deliver good for the state. Some want to communalise and polarise the state, but nothing will come of it. The secular credentials of VD Satheesan can never be challenged or questioned," Premachandran told ANI.
Earlier in the day, Keralam Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan on Saturday said the United Democratic Front (UDF) would submit the list of ministers to the Governor on Sunday as discussions over cabinet formation continued among alliance partners.
Satheesan confirmed that the process of cabinet formation was in its final stages and said all ministers would take the oath along with him on May 18.
"Discussions are ongoing, and tomorrow we will provide the list of ministers to the Governor. All the ministers will be taking the oath," he said.
After meeting leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Satheesan asserted that the UDF would continue to uphold its secular position despite criticism from political opponents."There are some forces in Keralam trying to propagate a hate campaign. But the Muslim League and their leader, Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, took a strong secular stand. Together, they have taken a firm secular position, and the UDF stance is also secular. We will continue it," Satheesan said.
He further alleged that both the BJP and CPI(M) had attempted to target the UDF over its alliance with the IUML during the election campaign. "BJP has been raising allegations, saying it is because of the League. CPM and BJP made allegations, but the people rejected them. We secured 102 seats," he said.
The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive mandate in the 140-member Keralam Assembly by winning 102 seats, ending the Left Democratic Front's decade-long rule in the state. Satheesan, who has served as Leader of the Opposition since 2021, was officially named for the Chief Ministerial post on May 14.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Satheesan saying UDF will continue its secular stand is reassuring. The IUML alliance has always been about inclusive politics, not appeasement. BJP and CPM’s hate campaign clearly failed. Let’s see now if Satheesan can actually bring the change we need.
വിജയത്തിൽ അഭിനന്ദനങ്ങൾ! But I hope Satheesan doesn't just focus on secular rhetoric. Kerala needs real progress in education, healthcare, and job creation. The CPM left a mess—time for UDF to show its efficiency. All the best to the new CM.
NK Premachandran's praise for Satheesan's 'efficiency, calibre, and foresight' sounds promising. But words are cheap—action is what matters. The cabinet formation seems to be moving smoothly at least. Let's hope the new government prioritises the common man over petty alliances.
Interesting to see the dynamics here. Satheesan’s firm stand on secularism while acknowledging the IUML role is pragmatic. The 102-seat win shows voters rejected polarisation. I’m curious how he balances alliance demands with governance—that’s the real test.
ഒരു കാര്യം ഉറപ്പ്—Satheesan needs to focus on development over politics. CPM wasted years on strikes and agitations. UDF getting 102 seats is a huge responsibility. Hope the new CM lives up to his 'innovative ideas' tag and solves Kerala's debt and unemployment issues.
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