Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the UDF government in Kerala on Monday, Congress leader and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal met Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. The two leaders projected unity following the meeting at Venugopal’s residence, putting to rest speculation about differences within the party. Following the meeting, the Congress General Secretary (Organisation) highlighted the party cadres’ acceptance of the Chief Ministerial choice made by the party high command. #WATCH | Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal says, “There is nothing unusual in it. This was a usual meeting. VD Satheesan is going to be the Chief Minister of Kerala. Party high command took a decision. Whatever the party high command decides, we are all bound... https://t.co/Ba6DuJdTev pic.twitter.com/9gEt9g5uOz — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2026 Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan Leadership “There is nothing unusual in it. This was a usual meeting. VD Satheesan is going to be the Chief Minister of Kerala. Party high command took a decision. Whatever the party high command decides, we are all bound to agree with that,” the senior Congress leader, who was among the frontrunners for the Kerala CM post, said. Showing support for the CM-designate, he said, “VD Satheesan is going to be sworn in the day after tomorrow. Entire Kerala is expecting good governance from UDF Govt under the leadership of VD Satheesan. Kerala needs a drastic change in development and governance. So, the people of Kerala and India are looking for that.” Cabinet Decisions Will Be Taken By CM: Venugopal Calling the Congress a “democratic party,” Venugopal said the decision on inviting the INDIA bloc alliance partners to the oath-taking ceremony would be taken by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). “Ours is a democratic party, not like the BJP or CPI(M). There may be a few differences and there but whenever the party leadership takes a decision, every Congressperson should be united, and our first priority is the country, the second priority is the Party. So, we will look forward to the country’s welfare...” Upon being asked about Cabinet berths, he said the decision in this regard would be taken by the Chief Minister himself. “AICC will take a final call on inviting INDIA alliance partners. All Congress CMs will come. Cabinet decisions, CM will take a decision,” he added.