VD Satheesan vows to protect secular Kerala, warns against hate campaigns
Synopsis
Hours after being named Kerala's next Chief Minister, VD Satheesan put secularism front and centre — warning the BJP against 'hate campaigns' and framing the election result as the state's collective statement to the nation. With his swearing-in set for 18 May, the tone of his first public remarks signals a sharply ideological opening to his tenure.
Key Takeaways
VD Satheesan was announced as Kerala's Chief Minister-designate and is set to be sworn in on 18 May as the state's 13th Chief Minister .
Satheesan accused the BJP of trying to start 'hate campaigns' in Kerala and vowed his government would not permit them.
On the nationwide ₹3 per litre fuel price hike , he said the UDF government would assess the impact and implement 'corrective measures within our limit.' Regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Satheesan said the state would submit proposals to central authorities, noting the exam is conducted at the national level.
Satheesan met senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala to seek his blessings; Cabinet formation is to be decided by the party in consultation with Chennithala.
Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan on 15 May issued a firm warning against what he described as 'hate campaigns', asserting that Kerala is a secular state and that his incoming government will not permit any attempt to alter that character. The Indian National Congress (Congress) veteran, announced a day earlier as the state's next Chief Minister, made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
Satheesan's Stand on Secularism
Satheesan directly accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of repeatedly attempting to foment divisive sentiment in the state. 'Some people are trying to start the hate campaign in Keralam, we won't allow anybody to do that. This is secular Kerala,' he said.
He framed the Kerala election result as a broader message from the state's electorate to the nation. 'The result of the recent election is a declaration of Kerala's people to the entire country, that our state is secular and that we will keep it like that,' Satheesan asserted. He added that preserving those credentials represents 'the ideological fight between BJP and Congressmen.'
Fuel Price Hike: State's Response
Responding to questions about the nationwide fuel price increase of ₹3 per litre, Satheesan said the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government would assess the impact on Kerala once it assumes office. 'We will check the impact of the fuel price hike on the society and on the economy. We will check the liability of the people also. Then we will implement corrective measures within our limit,' he said.
He acknowledged, however, that the state government operates within 'certain limits' when responding to directives from the Centre, signalling a cautious rather than confrontational approach on the issue.
NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak
On the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak, Satheesan said his government would engage with the relevant central authorities. 'We are not conducting the NEET exam. NEET exam is conducted at an all India level. We will check it and we will give proposals to the concerned authorities,' he said. The remark underscores the constitutional limits of state jurisdiction over a centrally administered examination.
Satheesan Meets Chennithala, Cabinet Formation Awaited
After his press interaction, Satheesan met senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, describing the meeting as one between 'two brothers.' Chennithala had been among the contenders for the Chief Minister's post, a position that eluded him throughout his long political career.
'He was my leader when I was a student and now also, he is my leader. There's no doubt about it,' Satheesan said, adding that Chennithala had blessed him on his appointment. On whether Chennithala would be included in the new Cabinet, Satheesan said the decision rests with the party: 'The Congress leaders will discuss with him and take a decision only with his opinion.'
Satheesan is set to be sworn in as Kerala's 13th Chief Minister on 18 May, with Cabinet composition expected to be finalised in the days ahead.
Point of View
And suggests he is managing expectations early. The Chennithala meeting, described warmly as a 'meeting of two brothers,' is also a quiet act of political management: keeping a powerful rival close while Cabinet arithmetic is still unsettled.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is VD Satheesan and when will he become Kerala Chief Minister?
VD Satheesan is a veteran Congress leader and Kerala CM-designate who will be sworn in as Kerala's 13th Chief Minister on 18 May. He was announced as the UDF's choice for the top post a day before his 15 May press remarks.
What did Satheesan say about hate campaigns and the BJP?
Satheesan accused the BJP of repeatedly attempting to create 'hate campaigns' in Kerala and vowed his government would not allow such efforts. He described preserving Kerala's secular character as the central ideological contest between the BJP and the Congress.
How will Kerala respond to the ₹3 per litre fuel price hike?
Satheesan said the UDF government would first assess the hike's impact on society and the economy before implementing corrective measures within the state's jurisdictional limits. He acknowledged the state has limited authority over centrally determined fuel prices.
What is Kerala's position on the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak?
Satheesan said the state government will submit proposals to the central authorities responsible for conducting the NEET-UG examination, noting that the exam is administered at the national level and falls outside direct state control.
Will Ramesh Chennithala be part of the new Kerala Cabinet?
Satheesan said the decision on Chennithala's inclusion in the Cabinet will be taken by the Congress party in consultation with Chennithala himself. He described his meeting with the senior leader as a gesture of seeking blessings, not a formal political negotiation.
