VD Satheesan, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, has been named Kerala's next Chief Minister, ending a period of speculation regarding the party's leadership. The announcement follows nearly ten days of deliberations within the party, where Satheesan emerged as the final choice over other contenders such as KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. At 61 years old, Satheesan has a strong political background, having served as the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly and winning the North Paravur constituency in Ernakulam district since 2001.

In preparation for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, Satheesan disclosed his net worth in an affidavit, which totals over ₹6 crore (approximately $720,000 USD). His movable assets are valued at around ₹2.37 crore, which includes cash, bank deposits, gold jewellery, and vehicles. Notably, he reported 35 grams of gold worth ₹4.62 lakh and his wife declared ownership of 1,128 grams of gold valued at nearly ₹1.49 crore, bringing their total gold assets to over ₹1.53 crore.

Satheesan's immovable assets are valued at more than ₹4.27 crore, including non-agricultural lands in Kanayannur and North Paravur, and a residential property valued at approximately ₹25 lakh. His spouse also holds significant land and property, further contributing to their overall wealth.