Kerala CM VD Satheesan presented the state's first budget for FY 2026-27, highlighting a severe financial crisis inherited by the UDF government. Public debt is Rs 5.07 lakh crore, with 77% of revenue spent on salaries and pensions, leaving little for development.
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan strongly criticized the Vice-Chancellors of Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, and Malayalam universities for attending an event with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, calling their presence a "grave lapse" and demanding an apology.
A man identified as Sony Thomas from Attingal was arrested for allegedly making threatening phone calls to Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan and his family. The accused reportedly made two calls to the Thiruvananthapuram police command center, stating he disliked Satheesan and inquiring about security arrangements. Police apprehended Thomas, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids at 10 locations linked to former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others in the CMRL monthly payment case, following a Kerala High Court order allowing the investigation to proceed.
VD Satheesan sworn in as Kerala CM, UDF returns to power. New govt announces free travel for women, increased ASHA worker honorarium, and a probe into a politically sensitive assault case linked to former CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
Newly sworn-in Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan's first cabinet meeting approved free KSRTC bus travel for women from June 15 and a Rs 3,000 monthly honorarium hike for ASHA workers, alongside creating a special department for the elderly.
V D Satheesan took oath as Kerala CM with a 20-member cabinet, marking UDF's return to power after 10 years. The UDF secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, ending the LDF's rule.
Kerala CM-designate V D Satheesan announced the new cabinet ministers who will be sworn in on Monday. Prominent inclusions are Ramesh Chennithala and K. Muraleedharan. The Indian Union Muslim League also finalized five ministerial positions.
After 10 days of internal deliberations, the Congress party announced V D Satheesan as its Chief Minister pick for Kerala, a state where the party secured a significant victory. Satheesan was chosen over party heavyweight K C Venugopal, who was reportedly backed by Rahul Gandhi. The decision-making process involved consultations with MLAs and senior party leaders, with reports suggesting Sonia Gandhi's intervention played a key role in resolving the impasse.
Kerala CM-designate VD Satheesan met with senior Congress leader KC Venugopal, denying reports of a feud. Both leaders emphasized joint decision-making and party unity ahead of the UDF government's oath-taking on May 18.
Kerala CM-designate VD Satheesan met KC Venugopal and denied reports of a feud, stating decisions are made jointly. The new UDF government's oath-taking is May 18, with cabinet formation underway.
Rahul Gandhi selects VD Satheesan as Kerala CM after extensive consultations, overlooking K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, citing alignment with public sentiment.
The Congress-led UDF in Kerala is struggling to name its chief ministerial candidate over a week after winning the elections. Senior leaders are in Delhi for discussions, with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge expected to make the final decision. Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and K C Venugopal are the frontrunners amidst internal tussle and external criticism.
CPM's MA Baby defended Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, stating the party's defeat is a collective responsibility, not an individual's. He emphasized self-criticism and corrective measures for the entire leadership. Baby also expressed concern over the rise of right-wing forces and the BJP's gains in Kerala.
Kerala's next chief minister remains undecided as the Congress high command deliberates between K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. Lobbying intensifies for the top post, with leaders awaiting a final decision based on merit and political considerations. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are key in the process, urging unity and discipline.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph stated that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will soon announce Kerala's next chief minister after interviewing three contenders. Joseph indicated no further state-level discussions are needed, with the Congress leadership holding the final decision. Camps backing K.C. Venugopal, V.D. Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala remain hopeful, each presenting their case to the high command.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized Prime Minister Modi for his remarks on the Kerala CM selection delay, pointing out the BJP's own 50-day wait in Delhi. He emphasized the Congress's democratic process versus the BJP's 'authoritarian' approach. Consultations are ongoing, with a decision expected soon after discussions with leaders and MLAs.
Congress leadership is deliberating on the Kerala CM post, weighing intra-party support for KC Venugopal against public sentiment favoring VD Satheesan. A decision is expected by Sunday, with discussions involving key state leaders and central party chiefs in Delhi.
With the LDF's victory in Kerala, the race for Chief Minister heats up. A leaked list, shared by the BJP, suggests K C Venugopal might be favored by a majority of Congress MLAs. However, one MLA claims his preference was omitted, raising questions about the consultation process. V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are also contenders.
Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar has clarified the party's internal process for selecting Kerala's chief minister if the United Democratic Front wins the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking as former Kerala in-charge, Anwar stated that any decision on making KC Venugopal the CM would require following established party procedures, including observer meetings and final approval from the high command. The Congress general secretary (organisation) has not contested the Assembly polls, but even if interested, he must undergo the requisite process.
Kerala's CPI(M) is assessing five potential successors to 80-year-old Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has led the state since 2016 and is seeking a historic third consecutive term. The five candidates — MV Govindan, KK Shailaja, KN Balagopal, PA Mohammed Riyas, and V Sivankutty — bring varying credentials including party positions, ministerial experience, and electoral records. The April 9 votes will be counted on May 4.
