Thiruvananthapuram: Ending nearly 10 days of intense lobbying, factional negotiations and political uncertainty, the Indian National Congress on Thursday officially named V. D. Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala. The decision signals that public sentiment, alliance dynamics and broader electoral considerations ultimately outweighed internal power equations within the Congress party.

V. D. Satheesan and his council of ministers are scheduled to take oath on Monday at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Party leaders selected the large public venue to allow greater participation from supporters and alliance workers. Chief ministers from Congress-ruled states, senior AICC leaders and national opposition figures are expected to attend the ceremony.