VD Satheesan has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, a decision announced by the Congress party after a 10-day deliberation. The BJP quickly criticized this choice, suggesting that it reflects Congress's submission to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which is part of the Congress-led United Democratic Front. The BJP's remarks highlight accusations of 'politics of appeasement', aimed at Congress's perceived reliance on minority community votes. Satheesan, a grassroots leader instrumental in Congress's recent electoral success, was chosen over the more favored Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal, partly due to concerns about Venugopal's need to contest a by-election soon. The IUML's backing was pivotal, as losing their support could jeopardize Congress's majority in the Kerala Assembly. IUML state chief Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal expressed full support for Satheesan, indicating a collaborative approach. The BJP's criticism is not new, with similar accusations made previously by political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has referred to Congress as a 'Muslim League party' in the past.