Thiruvananthapuram: VD Satheesan will take oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday and formally assume office. 

The official details regarding the swearing-in ceremony were released after the Congress high command announced its decision on the chief ministerial post.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Central Stadium at 10 am on Monday.

Satheesan has been chosen as the 16th Chief Minister of Kerala. He emerged victorious despite intense discussions and group equations within the Congress party.

Ending 11 days of suspense, AICC observer Deepa Dasmunsi announced Satheesan’s name at a press conference held at the AICC headquarters at 12 noon on Thursday.

Although a majority of MLAs were reportedly backing KC Venugopal for the post, public sentiment in the state, the views of alliance partners, and the firm stand taken by three former KPCC presidents played a crucial role in the high command ultimately selecting Satheesan.

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 Keralam. 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.