On May 15, 2026, V.D. Satheesan, designated as Kerala's Chief Minister by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), met with his predecessor Pinarayi Vijayan at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram. This meeting signifies a pivotal moment in Kerala's political landscape as the Congress party prepares to form a new government after the State Assembly elections held on May 4, 2026. The announcement of Satheesan's appointment on May 14 concluded a tense ten-day period filled with speculation regarding the leadership role within the party. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has reportedly expressed his displeasure over the decision to appoint Satheesan, highlighting internal tensions within the party. Meanwhile, Pinarayi Vijayan has been designated as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, marking a transition from his previous role as Chief Minister. As the Congress party moves forward, it faces the challenge of unifying its leadership and addressing the concerns of its senior members as it embarks on this new chapter in governance.