Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan is an unprecedented and unique phenomenon in Kerala politics – the first to harness the full potential of social media and reel politics. | Photo credit: The Hindu
VD Satheesan has emerged as the undisputed leader of Kerala. He demonstrated that he was no longer dependent on Congress; Congress depends on it. In the immediate term, this will mean that the Congress agreements of MLAs and ministers will have little impact or influence. In the medium term, several factors will depend on how his unique command over Kerala’s mass politics unfolds. Street protests against his appointment as chief minister suggested that the Congress high command was depending on Mr. Satheeshan’s popularity for its own political standing in Kerala. To be sure, the incoming chief minister will continue to swear to the party, but everyone knows who is in charge.
It is one thing to say that he is the leader of the Malay masses; but a little unpacking reveals the community dynamics at play. The Congress suffered in the 2021 assembly elections, among other reasons, because of the rift between Christians and Muslims and within each community. A sizeable section of both communities defected to the Congress and the UDF, helping Pinarayi Vijayan win an unusual second consecutive term in the state. Mr. Vijayan’s politics catalyzed this social dynamic. The Left leader, though unmistakably secular, catered to Hindu sentiments in this election, even presiding over a state-sponsored congregation of Sabarimala Ayyappa devotees, while Mr Satheesan – appointed Leader of the Opposition after the UDF’s loss in 2021 – brought minorities back to the Congress and the UDF and how.
Published – 15 May 2026 13:16 IST
