The Congress party has formally announced VD Satheesan as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, concluding a week of speculation and internal deliberations. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal conveyed to senior leader Rahul Gandhi that the party's interests must come before individual ambitions. Venugopal expressed concerns that discontent from the Satheesan camp could destabilize the government. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was consulted during the final decision-making phase, emphasizing the need for a leader who could unify the party. The announcement was made in Delhi by AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi and other senior observers. Venugopal affirmed support for Satheesan and dismissed reports of friction within the party, stating that the high command's decision was respected on the ground. Satheesan, a seasoned politician and lawyer, has represented the Paravur constituency since 2001 and has been a prominent figure in opposing the Left government in Kerala. The Congress Legislature Party is set to meet with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to claim the formation of the next government.