In a significant political development, V D Satheesan has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Kerala, as announced by the Congress high command. This decision follows extensive deliberations and reflects a shift towards aligning with public sentiment rather than solely the preferences of the newly-elected Congress MLAs. Although K C Venugopal, the AICC general secretary and Lok Sabha MP, had the backing of the majority of the 63 newly-elected MLAs, the Congress leadership opted for Satheesan, citing his effective leadership and strong support from allies, particularly the Muslim League, which holds 22 MLAs. The announcement came after a series of last-minute negotiations and consultations, including discussions with prominent Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi. This choice deviates from the party's traditional practice of prioritizing MLA opinions in leadership selections, marking a notable change in Congress's approach to governance in Kerala. Satheesan's appointment underscores the importance of public perception and coalition dynamics in contemporary political decision-making.