Following a decisive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, the Congress party has appointed VD Satheesan as Chief Minister, a choice aimed at avoiding the internal conflicts that have plagued its Karnataka government since 2023. The decision was influenced by various factors, including Satheesan's role as the public face of the United Democratic Front (UDF) campaign and the backing he received from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally. Unlike Karnataka, where the Congress prioritized legislative support over campaign leadership, the Kerala decision reflects a shift towards valuing grassroots political work. Internal party dynamics indicated that approximately 45 Congress MLAs favored KC Venugopal for the position, yet the Congress leadership opted for Satheesan, hoping to maintain party unity and morale. This strategic choice may signal a new approach for the Congress party as it seeks to rebuild its influence across India, prioritizing public perception and grassroots engagement over mere organizational power.