'Chennithala is my leader, we’ll form a strong team; will also meet Pinarayi': VD Satheesan | WATCH

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan has announced that the new Cabinet members will be finalised after thorough discussions within the United Democratic Front (UDF). Assuring the public of a "strong and capable team”, Satheesan emphasised his respect for veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala, stating, "I will certainly meet Chennithala; he is my leader." He also confirmed plans to pay a courtesy visit to former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his residence.

The UDF is scheduled to meet this Friday, with detailed consultations planned alongside coalition partners. High-profile leaders, including K C Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala and Sunny Joseph, along with AICC representatives, will be involved in the decision-making process.
 

Meanwhile, when asked about his potential role in the new Cabinet, Ramesh Chennithala said that the final composition is the Chief Minister's prerogative. He noted that the incoming government carries the huge responsibility of "liberating the people of Kerala from 10 years of misrule". Determining Chennithala’s official designation remains one of the primary tasks for the Congress leadership during this transition.Satheesan also took the opportunity to condemn communal campaigns directed at the Muslim League. Labelling them a vital ally whose contribution was "decisive" in the election victory, he warned that attacking the League only serves to create division. "If the Muslim League is weakened, that space will be occupied by communal forces. The League is a political party that stands as a bulwark against such elements," Satheesan asserted. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to a secular Kerala, stating there would be no compromise with hate-mongering.