‘Will transform Kerala; Congress will fulfil all promises’: CM-designate VD Satheesan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s new Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Thursday said he would work towards building a “new Kerala” after being elected as the Congress Legislative Party leader.

Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram after Congress announced VD Satheesan as the Legislative Party leader, he thanked Rahul Gandhi and the UDF workers.

Satheesan said, "I do not see this position as a personal achievement, but as something divine. It was KC Venugopal who coordinated all the activities of the AICC. His support was immense. Ramesh Chennithala is also my leader. I will take all of them into complete confidence. I seek the support of every section of people in Kerala. Only a collective effort can build a new Kerala. No one can do it alone; a team can achieve it."

"My party has entrusted me with a great responsibility. I thank Rahul Gandhi and others for that. Lakhs of UDF workers and leaders worked hard in this election. I am grateful to them for that," Satheesan added.

Hailing the party, the CM-designate said, "Congress is no ordinary party; there is a galaxy of leadership. They have given me feedback and advice and pulled me up when I was wrong."

He added that the Congress leaders are set to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, following a Legislative Party meeting, to claim the stake and form the UDF government in the state.

He said, "We will meet the Governor and then will figure out when this is happening. A call will be taken; the ministers will be decided by the party. The party will come together and decide."

Looking forward to the UDF governance in Kerala, Satheesan flagged the fiscal situation of the state.

"There will be a new era, a new Kerala. We know the fiscal situation of Kerala is vulnerable. We are hopeful that we can change everything. All AICC leaders called me and congratulated me," he said.

Meanwhile, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph said that Congress workers in Kerala welcome and accept the party high command's decision.

Speaking to reporters at the Indira Bhavan here, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Joseph said that AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik, along with the party-in-charge of the state, Deepa Dasmunsi, will reach Thiruvananthapuram by 4 pm.

Following that, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting of the party MLAs will be held at the Assembly in the evening, Joseph said.