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VD Satheesan to Avoid Luxury, Keep Old Car as Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan announced he will continue using his existing official car instead of buying a new one to promote austerity. He directed police to minimize public inconvenience and keep vehicle escorts to a minimum, citing the state's financial strain. Satheesan, who met senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, will take oath on May 18 after the UDF's decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. He emphasized that leaders should set an example through simple living to prevent extravagance in the administration.

Key Points: VD Satheesan to Avoid Luxury, Use Old Car as Kerala CM

  • VD Satheesan to use existing official car to avoid luxury
  • Directs police to minimize public inconvenience and vehicle escorts
  • Congress names Satheesan as next CM after UDF's 2026 election win
  • Oath-taking scheduled for May 18 at Lok Bhavan
2 min read

"Will use existing car, avoid luxury; Keralam treasury cannot afford extravagance": VD Satheesan

Kerala CM-designate VD Satheesan says he will use existing official car, avoid luxury, and minimize police escorts due to financial strain.

"If a decision is made to buy a new car, it would send the wrong message to the administration. - VD Satheesan"

Thiruvananthapuram, May 15

Keralam Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan on Friday said that the government should avoid unnecessary luxury and follow simple practices, especially at a time of financial strain.

He said he will continue using his existing official car instead of opting for a new one, adding that public money should be used carefully and responsibly.

Speaking to the reporters, Satheesan said, "If a decision is made to buy a new car, it would send the wrong message to the administration. At a time when the financial situation is worsening, we must reduce luxuries as much as possible and create certain models. I will use the existing car."

He also directed the police to avoid causing inconvenience to the public during his travel and to keep vehicle escorts to a minimum, stressing that leaders should set an example through simple living.

"I have instructed the police not to trouble people as much as possible on the way. I have also said that only fewer than a countable number of vehicles should be allowed. If we show extravagance, those below will also do the same. Keralam's treasury does not have the capacity for that," he further said.

Satheesan also met Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala at his residence.

Congress officially named Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Keralam following the UDF's sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Satheesan is scheduled to take oath as Chief Minister on May 18 at 10 am at Lok Bhavan.

The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive mandate in the 140-member Keralam Assembly, winning 102 seats and ending the Left Democratic Front (LDF)'s decade-long rule in the state.

He had served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Keralam Legislative Assembly since 2021 and emerged as one of the prominent faces of the UDF campaign against the outgoing Left government.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is refreshing to hear after years of the LDF government's lavish spending on statues and VIP perks. But actions speak louder than words - let's see if this austerity applies to the entire cabinet too.
R
Rahul R
As a Malayali, I'm proud of this decision. Our state is facing huge debt and financial problems. If every minister follows this example, we can save crores for education and healthcare. Good start, VDS! 🚀
J
James A
This is exactly the kind of leadership we need. It's not about the car itself, but the culture of simplicity. I hope other states also take note - India's development needs fiscal responsibility at all levels.
N
Nisha Z
While I appreciate the gesture, I hope this isn't just for the cameras. The real test will be in policy decisions like reducing unnecessary government expenditure across departments. Let's wait and watch.
S
Sarah B
This is a wonderful example of servant leadership. In a time when many politicians indulge in luxury, VD Satheesan is setting a commendable standard. Kerala is lucky to have such a grounded CM.
V
Vikram M
The instruction to minimize vehicle escorts and avoid public inconvenience is even more impressive than the car decision. Our roads are already chaotic with VIP movements. Hope other leaders follow suit.

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