Thiruvananthapuram | Congress leaders and newly elected MLAs on Thursday extended their greetings to V D Satheesan soon after the AICC announced him as the CM of Kerala.
KPCC president Sunny Joseph shared a photograph of Satheesan on Facebook and wrote, "Congratulations to V D Satheesan, the 24th chief minister of Kerala." MP Shafi Parambil also congratulated Satheesan on being selected as the CM of Kerala.
In a Facebook post, Parambil, the KPCC working president, described Satheesan as the leader of the Congress-led UDF government and extended his wishes.
Congress leader and MLA V T Balram also congratulated Satheesan, saying the announcement reflected the will of the people.
In a Facebook post, Balram said the declaration was one Kerala had been waiting for and described it as the formal endorsement of a decision already made in the minds of the people.
"A truly democratic party can only take decisions by respecting public interest and cannot ignore the prevailing public sentiment," he said.
Balram said Satheesan was assuming office amid an unprecedented wave of popular support rarely seen for a political leader.
He added that Satheesan's elevation should not be viewed merely as that of a Congress or UDF CM, but as that of the CM of the people of Kerala.
Balram also called for united efforts going forward, stressing the need to fulfil promises, uphold expectations and work together towards a better future.
"We can do it, because this is Kerala," he said, concluding his post by asserting that Satheesan is "our chief minister".
Expelled Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil also congratulated Satheesan.
In a Facebook post, Mamkootathil said the UDF's victory was the result of years of political struggle and sacrifice by party workers.
He said that over the past 10 years, the opposition had been engaged in intense political battles, with thousands of workers taking to the streets against what he termed anti-people governance.
According to him, the efforts of these workers had now culminated in a people's government, and the high command had entrusted Satheesan with the responsibility of leading it.
He expressed confidence that the new government would prioritise public welfare and work to realise the aspirations of the people, while extending his greetings to Satheesan.
Chandy Oommen, son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the re-elected MLA from Puthuppally, also shared a photograph of Satheesan and extended his greetings.
Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who was re-elected as MLA from Muvattupuzha, said Kerala would see a new face and a new style of governance. "Greetings and congratulations to dear V D Satheesan," he said.
Roji M John, who was re-elected as the MLA from Angamaly, also shared a Facebook post congratulating Satheesan.
