After 11 days of speculation, the Congress High Command on Thursday announced V D Satheesan as the new Chief Minister of Kerala. AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi made the announcement at a press conference in Delhi, naming Satheesan as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader. In his first response after being named Chief Minister of Kerala, Satheesan said it was a huge responsibility that was entrusted to him by the Indian National Congress.

"Lakhs of UDF workers and leaders worked as ‘Team UDF’ and enabled me to reach this position," he said. "The promises we made to the people will be fulfilled. With hard work and commitment, we will improve the quality of life of the people of Kerala," he added.

"I also see this as God's will, not a personal achievement. A lot of people have helped me. The AICC, especially, played a huge role. All the actions of the AICC in Kerala were consolidated and coordinated by General Secretary K C Venugopal. Every day, he guided us, reviewed our work, and extended his complete backing and support. I am thankful to senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, my leader and dear friend; KPCC president Sunny Joseph; and AICC Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi," he said.

"Kerala is going through tough times. To overcome these challenges, I seek the faith and support of all people. We must work as a team, not individually. I once again wholeheartedly thank the people of Kerala," he added.

Speaking to the media after the announcement, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said that the party high command had decided on V D Satheesan as the CLP leader and the chief minister of Kerala after proper discussions and considering multiple parameters. As per procedure, a CLP meeting would be held later in the day, he said. "I welcome this decision wholeheartedly," said Venugopal, who was summoned to Rahul Gandhi's residence earlier on Thursday morning for a one-on-one meeting that stretched for nearly an hour.

Meanwhile, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the High Command had informed the Congress leaders in Kerala that V D Satheesan would be the new chief minister. "We accept this news. Deepa Dasmunshi and other AICC leaders will reach Thiruvananthapuram soon. The parliamentary committee meeting, which was initially scheduled for 1 pm, has been shifted to 4 pm," he said. "After discussions with the new chief minister, a meeting will be requested with the Governor later in the day," he added.

With suspense over the Chief Minister continuing ever since the declaration of the Assembly election results, reports had emerged on Wednesday that the Congress high command had reached a consensus on the Chief Ministerial candidate, and that the name was expected to be announced through a press note later that evening. However, Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, later told the media that the announcement would instead be made on Thursday. The Congress high command has also reportedly asked party leaders and workers to react with restraint after the decision is announced and to avoid either excessive celebration or public anger over the choice.