New Delhi (India) May 14: V D Satheesan has been declared by the Congress high command as the next chief minister of Kerala putting an end to the long political suspense following the Kerala Assembly election results. Nearly 10 days after the Assembly poll results were declared keeping the Kerala CM race a close watch throughout Kerala.

The final decision to be made as the result of the lengthy discussion over the last few days came at noon Thursday where a press conference was convened by Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Deepa Dasmunshi where the formal announcement was made to the public.

Three names in particular: KC Venugopal, V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala were speculated for the CM post.

Satheesan Stresses Teamwork and Unity

VD Satheesan, who has been chosen by the party as the next Kerala CM said it was a team responsibility rather than a personal one and thanked his peers KC Venugopal and the rest of the leaders who are involved in the decision making process of the Kerala CM race and said the team's hard work was to achieve the goal that was set out by the public.

"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 Keralam. Only a collective effort can build a new Keralam. No one can do it alone; a team can achieve it," Satheesan said.

KC Venugopal Welcomes Congress Decision

KC Venugopal appreciated the decision taken by the Congress party president to appoint VD Satheesan as the Kerala CM, thanked the members, functionaries and MLAS for their support. He also claimed that the decision to appoint VD Satheesan as the new Kerala CM was an outcome of exhaustive discussion and consideration at every level in the Congress.

Venugopal said, "The final decision has come, and the Congress high command decided VD Satheesan as the Chief Ministerial candidate for Keralam Government. I am welcoming that decision wholeheartedly. I am congratulating VD Satheesan on this position. I think that people of Keralam have given a big verdict for the UDF. The government and the leadership of VD Satheesan can fulfil the aspirations and promises of the people of Keralam. Certainly, we are totally behind the government of Keralam.”

Rahul, Kharge Held Final Discussions

The UDF coalition, which is headed by the Congress, had gained over two-thirds of the seats but couldn't announce its candidate as its chief minister owing to worker's protests in the ground level due to the existence of lobby groups and individual campaigns throughout the state. The leader appointed on Thursday has been accepted by all members of the Congress party although it is after a great deal of effort from the Congress leadership at various stages.

The declaration came a day after former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was in conversation with the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for roughly 40 minutes where later confirmed that all discussions at the high command were complete and final.