Congress supporters distribute sweets at SM Street in Kozhikode on Thursday and express joy over the elevation of VD Satheesan to head the Congress Legislature Party ahead of his appointment as the new Chief Minister of Kerala | Photo credit: K. Ragesh
Jubilant scenes unfolded in Kozhikode district on Thursday (May 14, 2026) as Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) workers staged mass celebrations soon after the announcement of VD Satheesan as Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader.
In SM Street, party workers distributed sweets to the public and organized demonstrations on the occasion of the announcement. The District Congress Committee (DCC) organized a procession in the city to felicitate Mr. Satheesan and highlight his role in the party’s electoral performance in the Assembly elections.
During the urban and rural celebrations, a large turnout of young people was seen to express solidarity with the new Chief Minister-designate. Some local Congress shopkeepers also joined the celebrations and offered free sweets to the public.
Youth League workers take out a solemn march in Malappuram to express solidarity. | Photo credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
Congress and IUML supporters on social media, who campaigned in favor of Mr. Satheesan’s candidature, also expressed their happiness over the High Command’s decision by circulating victory reels and posters. In several villages across Kozhikode, grama panchayat presidents affiliated with the United Democratic Front led parallel celebrations.
DCC leaders said the conclusion of the leadership selection process has given a new impetus to the “UDF team” story. They also rejected allegations that some leaders refrained from public celebrations.
A senior Congress official said the High Command’s decision was accepted by all, though there were some differences of opinion during the selection process. He pointed out that these differences of opinion were provoked by the exercise of democratic freedom offered within the party.
In Kannur
Around a hundred party workers and leaders gathered at the District Congress Committee (DCC) office in Kannur to celebrate the announcement.
The leaders said the celebrations were held without any factional differences within the party. Among those who attended the celebration were Martin George, Vice President Abdul Razak
Published – 14 May 2026 19:40 IST
