VD Satheesan was officially appointed as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on 14 May 2026 after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections. The UDF won 102 out of 140 seats, ending the 10-year rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Satheesan, a senior Congress leader, represents the Paravur constituency in Ernakulam district and won his sixth consecutive term in 2026. He succeeded former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Born on 31 May 1964 in Kochi, VD Satheesan studied social work and law before practising at the Kerala High Court. He started his political career through student organisations NSUI and KSU and served as Leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2026.
