In coalition politics, the selection of a Chief Minister often involves complex negotiations between party leadership, alliance partners, and local MLAs, where the final decision may prioritize public sentiment and coalition stability over individual leadership preferences.
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Kerala CM LIVE | VD Satheesan Named New Kerala CM | Kerala | CongressAdded:
could be announced after a two and a half hours meeting that took place. We also in fact are given to understand that the meeting was held between Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi was also the part of the meeting. Later on Casey Venugopal was of course part of the meeting and later on just for half an hour a very senior leader of the Congress party. Salman Kushid also reached at the residence of Rahul Gandhi where in fact yes he did me to while speaking to NTV he told that yes he's going to meet Rahul Gandhi [music] case when Gopal was present and just within after half an hour Kushid reached they all left from their restness Casey Wenopal is on route to his home and all eyes are on this press conference that that is going to be held by the observer >> do stay with me sh I want to come to you let's just talk about Vid Satish for a moment But also Casey Venu Gopal that meeting had gone on for more than an hour. You had Priyanka Gandhi in that meeting. You had Rahul Gandhi in that meeting. That would have been a meeting to plate Venu Gopal. Explain the circumstances [music] to him. Perhaps also because the coalition government in Keralum where we believe that the IUML wants Satishian as their pick.
>> It it's uh you know things have sort of gotten out of hand now. It's almost like uh uh the message being sent out is the high command uh and the leadership doesn't have control over these [music] waring factions even at this late hour.
Today is day 11 vika since results day.
Uh and we understand that there's going to be a press conference in about a few minutes from now. Uh you know movements are happening case Vopal is on the move.
He's expected to fly to Kerala. Vidi Satishan is there holding fort. Uh uh the the sense that we have right now is that there are heated discussions happening. The word you used plateade >> and those are live visuals coming in shiv >> from the press conference. Okay. You see AJ M you see Jam Romesh.
>> Yeah. You see Deep >> and you see others there. Yeah.
>> Yeah. You see Deepad Aman Si as well out there.
>> Okay. Looks like we're going to have a Kerala Chief Minister's name at this press conference. Let's hopefully uh hopefully this isn't an announcement of when the announcement is going to be made like like we had with the DMK and the TVK. Okay, let's cut across G or AIC Mahasum Deep daspa gap informally.
RB.
>> Namaskar.
The Congress Legislature Party had met in Thiruvantapuram on May 7th, 2026 and had unanimously resolved to authorize the Congress President to appoint the new leader of the CLP in the state of Keralum.
Accordingly, the Congress president has held extensive discussions with the chairperson of the Congress parliamentary party, leader of the opposition in the Lok Saba, the AIC observers who had met with the new newly elected MLAs on May 7th, 2026 and many other leaders from the state including MPs Former PCC presidents have all also been consulted.
Based on all these discussions, it has been decided that Shri Vidi Satishan be appointed as the leader of the CLP. Thank you so much.
>> Clears the air. Then Shiv, it is Vidi Satishan, the next chief minister of Keralum. He has been the choice shiv when it comes even to the IUML on the ground. He's done the spade work over the years. He's being rewarded for that.
But this isn't the end to the drama perhaps given that you have Casey Venu Gopal who spent the morning with the Gandhi and the announcement has been in favor of Satishan.
>> So so Vidi Satishan becomes the Kerala chief minister designate. Now he has been appointed the CLP leader unanimously but unanimously is a word that we don't want to use because we know it's not unanimous yet. There are still discussions taking place. TM Vira Raav is with us live for a quick first reaction. Ver as NDTV reported VD Satishan is the new chief minister of Kerala.
>> Absolutely. I think this is pretty much keeping in tandem with the public sentiment and also the fact that if Casey Venu Gopal was going to be made chief minister, he would have to resign his Lok Sabha seat and he would also have to have somebody having to resign their assembly seat for him to contest and I believe that the thinking on the top leadership was that they did not want to have bi-elections at this stage ship. I think this is a this is a categorical decision by the high command uh to avoid a Karnataka-ike situation in Kerala. DD Satician. One of the flip sides of DD Satician is that there was a sense that he will not dance to every other person's tune. He's somebody who's decisive and may be difficult to contain or control by the high command. But I think that's a risk that they needed to take given the public sentiment. It would have been a huge backlash had he been denied the chief minister's post.
So despite the loyalty factor, despite the proximity to the high command, KC Venopal not the chief minister. BD Satishan is the man in charge at the moment in Kerala.
time when we were told over the last few days that there was a lot of support rallying behind Casey Venu Gopal. So like what you're saying here is it's the people's pick perhaps also keeping the IUML in mind versus the Congress's pick.
All right, those are shots also coming in from Vir Satish's residence. V I'm coming to you in a moment from now.
We'll go back to those shots. Go ahead.
Vera >> spoke to a very top Congress leader about a couple of days ago who said when you ask the public they say Vidi Satishan when you ask the MLAs in Delhi they say Casey Rain Gopal but when you ask the MLAs in Thirvanapuram they say Vidi Satishan or some say Romesh Chanala. There was a lot of confabulations that was all around and I think uh the priority for the congress vika and shin given that Kerala is really the last bastion was to avoid a situation like Karnataka for instance in 2023 Karnataka gave you a sweeping mandate but it seemed to be a mess today because of the part hustle between Dhumar and Sidd Ramaya. If you had denied Vidi Satishan the charge he would have been another Dhumar. call Sir CP meeting has been postponed sir. Any announcement on deputy CM sir from IUML or something yes yes any update on further sir announc >> I will have confirms later.
Okay. So, pictures of celebrations at Vid Satishan's uh residence and I'm sure that that you know it's been pretty nailbiting. Vidi Satishan had sent out a message. Our sources had told us VR had also reported that you know in case somebody else was chosen as chief minister Vira Vid Satishan had signaled very clearly that he would not be in the government you know he would not take a post as a minister of any kind. He would be simply an MLA. So he had made it very clear it's either the chief minister or it's not. And that flex has worked also.
This was perhaps in many people's view the right decision to take since he led the campaign. Vir >> that's right. In fact I was told by some of my sources that Vidi Satishan had said that he will resign his Paravour seat in Arawalam district and ask ACopal to contest from there. It went to that extent. He was not going to be null pacified by you know with anything but the chief minister's post. He was categorical. Look, this is a man who is uh you know uh he he he answers only to his own tunes. In fact, during our Canada conclave when I asked him specifically is it the right decision to go without a chief ministerial phase into an election campaign of this nature against Pindra Vijan he said look I have my personal views but I will have to respect the high command's decision. It was as clear as that that he wanted he was very clear that he was the man in charge. Uh he's he's sort of a tough nut to crack. uh you know shiv as leader of opposition Romesh Chanala had his chance in 2021 did not work out 2026 was Vid Satishan's election uh throughout the election he was the front face and I think in a state like Kerala if you were to deny him the chief minister's post it would have resulted both in terms of in infighting and a backlash and as importantly as Vika was pointing out with its 22 seats uh was very clear that they wanted somebody like Vidi Satishan in charge the only reluctance for the Congress high command was about whether they will be able to control or uh dictate to VD Satishan. I think BD Satician is also a loyalist but he is a man who dances to his own tunes and so the other power centers uh were very wary of it but I guess this is a clear decision that they want him in charge and that there's only one power center at the moment in Kerala >> Shiv let's bring in Ashwari as well he's outside the AIC headquarters we've just heard that announcement be made about 8 minutes back but what's the inside track you have on Priyanka Gandhi Rahul Gandhi meeting with Casey Venu Gopal what went down inside that meeting that lasted for over an hour. And where is Case Casey Venu Gopal as we speak?
>> Right. They want every leader of the Congress party on the same page and therefore the reason perhaps when there were demands of KCV nugal to be elevated as the chief minister of Keralum certainly there were voices that went against one another camp as well because Vidi Satish certainly was the name that the local leaders perhaps want him to be the the chief minister perhaps as we all know you know any in the uh in Delhi and the senior leadership wantal to be eliminated. So it was a tough task as being told by sources in the Congress party as well with the Congress leadership today meeting Casey Vinopal individually reached a Dad's residence.
The meeting went for at least two and a half hours. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also right there and certainly that finally from the AIC headquarters here by Deepadashi and she clearly stated that it was the the legislative party over there who you know gave authority to >> okay that link is frozen I'm going to come back to you in just a moment I want to bring V back in we've got Ashwin Nandakumar live with us fromapuram as well Ashwin is where The action is at right after this announcement. Ashwin, what are you seeing? Celebrations have begun for Vidi Satishan who many believe was the right man to be chosen.
>> Absolutely. Let me put the full name out. Vades Dam Modan Satishan is the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala.
Celebration have already begun outside the KPCC office. Large number of people have thronged over here. In fact this was in fact a tooth and nail battle till yesterday evening it was bid satish's name that was flouting but then after 7:30 changed to case vendopal today morning it remained vendal but just like a flip of a coin it has now finally been announced as vidi satishin probably because of the kind of a ground swell that this man was able to garner on his side which was coming cutting across through all kind of demographies all kind of barriers, all kind of distinctions. In fact, Vid Satishan has been chosen as a chief minister probably because today Priyanka Gandhi finally made a stress stressed it out that they they have to see the high command has to see what is the pulse on the ground. As you can see over here large number of people are joining in Congress workers are JOINING happy happy You can see this is a accelerated celebration over here. Large number of people are gathering over here and you can see that Vidi Satician has was able to garner a kind of a support that cuts across party lines. In fact uh I have got calls let me just now put it on record. I have got calls from CPM supporters, my friends who have been ardent CPM supporters who ask for emails of Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi to say that Widi Satishan deserved it and at least six or seven of my friends have asked this. So certainly this is a kind of a support that cannot go unnoticed and probably that is the pressure which was uh there on the high command and that is the probably the pressure that high command was taking and that is why it took 11 days to finally give out his name. Certainly Vidi Satishan coming into picture is definitely not something you can not something that is an easy ride. Definitely he will have a set of challenges because the multi multiplied of all the MLAs majority of the MLAs in fact supported Casey Vindu Gopal but everything has been changed in fact we satish is somebody who has taken a different path in the Congress party and perhaps that is one of the first time a person who has dressed a different path who has not entered the Nesis office and who has always had issues with the entire society, the NAVA society had issues with the OBC community leader that is SNDP villa Palinda a stance that was never seen from a Congress leader but he had taken that stance and that has also helped him garner any large support base. In fact, every communal statement that has been made against him, he had uses quite effectively. And certainly what you see around is the celebration that is going on outside the KPCC office over here. Large number of people ARE THRONGING. THE 30TH CHIEF MINISTER OF KERALA. THE KERALA STATE WHICH FORMED IN 1956 has seen A CHIEF MINISTER. UH this is the 30TH ONE. AND MIND YOU THIS IS A NA CHIEF MINISTER.
ADA CHIEF MINISTER THAT IS COMING AFTER KARUNAKARAN that's a huge development certainly Ada coming as a chief minister ON TOP OPPOSITION SOMEBODY WHO is disliked by the NSS is becoming a chief minister that is going to be a big challenge and also for Wii Satishian it is important that he will now have to bring all these factions together because he knows clearly that most of the MLAs who won from the Congress side do not wouse roots for him and that is where the biggest challenge for him lies and certainly for the governance but KPCC president uh KPCC president Sunday Joseph is already here it's raining probably it's good news for the Congress party but we have to see the enthusiasm that is there on the ground satish will be taking charge certainly today we can expect that in a short while from now from the contonement house VI satic will move and probably come over here as a group they will go and seek the mandate with the governor. Back to the studio.
>> Where is Vir Satishan >> umbrella is lost?
Uh you know lost in congratulatory messages. Vika >> I think Ashwin's we've lost that link with Ashwin because he's Ashwin. Can you hear us? Where is the man at the moment?
Vika and I want to know.
He's right now at contonement house. Our our reporter Janendra is there.
>> All right.
And what we know is that what we know is that he the entire VI satician supporters are elated uh across the state. There's a lot of there is a lot of celebration that's going on and he is somebody who has challenged the status quo. a man who never went to the NSS office or the SNPP office. A man who has always taken on the the community leaders at the same time pandering to the Muslim community. Certainly these are the repercussions that we can expect to come during his time of governance.
not saying that his ground swell support is something that the high command has not failed to notice and properly that is why he has been brought back to be given a power as the chief minister the 13th chief minister of Keralam >> minister of Keralam 11 days after the results and we all know Ashwin that uh you know at 10:40 this morning you reported that Satishan was a frontr runner so allow me to trumpet this a little bit because while Everyone was saying this that and the other. NDTV at 10:40 a.m. via our Kerala man uh Ashwin said it was going to be VD Satishan.
Press conference just starting. Let's cut across live.
Okay. Thank you sir.
Party command Congress legis Congress formality procedure.
One unanimous supports this decision.
This government will give everything for the people.
PD sufficient will have support.
They have always said high command will decide and the high command has decided.
Whatever high command decides you all abide by it was the stand that we had all taken to whenever you all asked us questions we said high command will only decide worker AC.
[laughter] We have taken foreign.
[laughter] >> [laughter] >> Congress [laughter] welcomes the throughout this campaign.
Whenever we were asked this question, he said it's the high command that will take the decision. We have taken such decisions in several states and offered government. We will all abide by the high command's decision and we will all work together to respect the mandate and give the people of Kerala a fantastic government.
I have started my politics.
He was also saying I had started my as a grassroot Congress worker. My loyalty is beyond questioned. We will all work together to give a good government in Kerala. The high command has decided and we will all abide by the high command decision.
[laughter] leadership.
[laughter] We're asking if he's disappointed that he's not for [laughter] BJP.
Why do we care about leadership?
This matter has been decided by the UDF leadership and the Congress and it's a categorical decision leadership [laughter] of what Mr. Casey Venugopal is stating is that there is absolutely no infighting in the party. The final decision has been taken by the Congress high command.
>> High command decided V sadish as there for the UDF.
The government under the leadership of VD sadish can fulfill the aspirations and promises of the people of Kerala.
Certainly we are totally behind the with the government of Kerala.
>> So what discussions were held what do you like to say? Two hours meeting was held with Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi.
No Rahul was the decision they both of them are discussing about the situations and the decision making process how they they called me and they asked me my opinion and they are we are all discussed with that.
>> There were several posters also installed at AIC NIS supporters wanted you to be the chief minister. Many MLAs wanted you more than 40 plus what? No no no no I I'm I'm thanking for the MLAs party workers party function for that support they have given to me but finally finally party took a decision as a sincere congressman we are all behind the party decision in >> certainly [laughter] your name was coming up first during the entire race why do you think was chosen in the end when you will be going to that happen so when will you be no individual no individual so Would you like to thank for us? Basa also joining us here on the broadcast along with Padma. Basa coming to you. You heard the words high command at least 14 times during that interaction. But I want to understand from you through your sources what really transpired in that 2-hour plus meeting between the Gandhis and Casey Venu Gopal. I think the two-hour plus meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Casey Vinupal had a lot of twists and turns because still about evening yesterday we are told that Rahul Gandhi is not very happy about the protests that are happening in Kerala and Casey Vin Gopal has also been pushing for his case.
Every congressperson that you spoke in Delhi said that Casey needs to go to Delhi go to Kerala also because they had their own interest. They felt that Rahul Gandhi will become far more accessible if Casey leaves Delhi. But uh and Casey also made a very strong pitch saying that he has given his life and soul to the Congress party and now is the time for him to spend with his family and spend his years in a state that he has uh that that he has grow that he has grown up in. But clearly that didn't work. Couple of reasons because former PCC presidents all of them have you know suggested to Rahul Gandhi that people's mandate is very important. People's sentiment is with Vir Satishan. Viri Satishan was also chosen likely for four reasons. He has an image of a rebel.
Virat met him couple of times and every time he would tell us that he disagreed with Rahul Gandhi. He told him this thing that he did was wrong and we would find that very surprising that you know Congress workers don't speak like that but you know Vir Satish has a very unique personality where he would often tell Congress especially Rahul Gandhi whenever he would ask him that this particular thing has to be done a particular way. He had an image of a rebel in 2011. He was denied his chief.
He was denied a ministerial position by um Chandi but he stayed away from the government and still built his public support. When we started covering Kerala politics, we said that LOP is one person that we have to watch out for because he was the face of the government. Any TV channel in the assembly, he was the one who spoke with numbers statistics. So he became the face of opposition and aggression of the UDF against LDF. So everybody in Kerala thought that he was a right person uh you know fit for this job. But of course in Delhi there was a different scenario altogether because many felt that Casey Venugopal has given a lot of uh you know time and years into the party. He was the one who decided the candidates and hence he should be made uh the chief minister of Kerala.
>> You know all of these sides argued their points and they all had got arguments in their favor but Ashwin you've been speaking about one factor that may have ultimately swung it in favor of Vidi Satisan and that was the backing of the IUML. Let's not forget that yesterday when those posters came up in Vayard warning Priyanka Gandhi warning Rahul Gandhi that if you make Casey Venu Gopal then it's going to become very very difficult for the Congress in vionard and Kerala. Did the IUML finally get a casting vote of sorts in making this decision.
I mean we can definitely say without a doubt it was the IUML pressure that has finally made Vidi Satishan the chief minister because till yesterday the the name evening till evening yesterday evening the name was Bidi Satishan after that there was again a huge pressure that was put by Kes Venu Kopal site but today after 10:15 something happened some big pressure was put up. What was that pressure? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, the pressure is from Indian Union Muslim League. There is no two >> I want to disagree with that. V was shaking his shaking and nodding. He said VA >> I think I think this is absolutely giving too much to the LL. IML was in support of KC V Satishan. Absolutely.
There's no doubt about that. Let's not forget that this is a man who was the face of the Congress party over the last 5 years in taking on Pindra Vijan. He is the man who challenged Pindra Vijan to a debate took him on numbers. So I think it would be unfair to credit this decision to it's more about the public sentiment as far as the congress is concerned. Pad >> and you know speaking of sentiment a maknik deep munchi have left AIC. Very quickly giving this bit of breaking news to our viewers as you continue v and we'll come back to ashwin as well who is outside the congress office but these three will now be headed to triandram.
Yes please go on v. My only point is that Casey Venu Gopal seen as this loyalist of the party high command in Delhi easier to negate if he's denied the chief minister's post whereas a VD Satishan is not easy to negate if he's denied the chief minister's post he would have created ruckus in Kerala and I think this is pretty much going back to the same decision of Siddha DK Shivkumar back in the past Siddariah if you don't give him the chief minister's post he's going to create chaos if DK ship Kumar when he claims himself to be a loyalist has to stay within in the party and I think that's why the dice was loaded in favor of Vidi Satishan from the start.
>> What we also know is that Rahul Gandhi was pushing big time for Casey Vinugopal for many reasons and you know the the sense from the ground as Vira and others were reporting was that Vid Satishan was the face of the campaign widely seemed to be the man most deserving of the chief minister's chair in the face of this result and that's the reason why it took 11 days. Basuda what would it have taken to pleate Venu Gopal he was all smiles obviously he's a politician he's not going to come out looking >> actually a little too smiley >> yeah too much of a smiling also shows that you know you've had to lay down your weapons and go with what the high command decided and like Padma said he said high command 12 times in that press conference but what would it have taken to plate Casey >> deep down in his heart because this is the strongest pitch that he has made he's also you know he's been holding this post since 2019. Uh people you know Malikun Pi also wanted him to leave Delhi and sort of you know start his own thing and you know become the chief minister of Kerala. A lot of people felt that their access to Rahul Gandhi is also limited because of Casey Venopal.
He took the flag for it. He took the little praise that came to Congress party went to the Gandhis but the flag and discredit always went to Casey Venopal. That's the pitch that he made.
But uh the two-hour meeting that that he had with Rahul Gandhi sort of also uh you know changed a lot of things but because what I'm told is that Casey was very interested in going so were the others in sending him but former PCC presidents made you know made Rahul Gandhi understand that this would be disastrous for the UDF the kind of protests that have taken place and also you know when it comes to Karnataka in Kerala the situation is slightly different because when it comes to representation >> okay you know no continue continue because we we're getting we're getting some of Congress's allies including the IUML to join the conversation as well.
>> I just want to make a bigger point that really has the casts backing him. But when it comes to all the contenders here, everybody is an eye. So cast and representation is not a problem. It's not about you know how will how will people of certain communities feel. It's just about how will people feel largely about the congress's high command culture and that is something probably uh the high command was also very >> and you know it is so significant vika that the issue of DK ship Kumar and Sigaramaya is being brought up because almost coincidentally suddenly yesterday posters went up across Bengaluru as well. I mean entirely coincidentally >> saying happy birthday Chief Minister DKar Exactly. So just as this little fire is smoldering some people were you know cooking their marshmallows. Yes.
Vira, you wanted to say something?
>> No, no, wait for your next game of thrones. Uh, you know, it's all all about to start. Return of the game of thrones in Karnataka because that's a part that's going to be there and as Vasuda said, while there is a cast combination, etc. in Karnataka and it was more difficult to make a decision.
It was incumbent upon the Congress not to send out a message of uh uncertainty in Kerala. If you had kept VD Satishan out, you would have sent out a message of uncertainty. Let's also not forget this is a man who loves his wildlife. He loves his reading. When I asked him what is it that you do at the end of the day of campaign he said I read books. I said where do you have the strength to read books? He said I read at least 500 pages I mean 500 words or you know 15 pages.
>> Okay. Mr. Bean on the phone line with us from the ML. Mr. Brennan your first reaction to the news that is broken here on NDTV. First >> uh it's a very apt decision by the high command although they took 11 days but then they took the views of everyone including the alli allied parties coalition parties and they actually uh came to a correct decision according to us because sadishan being the leader of opposition he was the one who led the elections he was the one who fought the CPM government and he was the leader in all sense so uh and the people's reaction the public opinion all was completely in favor of sadishan and we had made our mind uh very clear to the high command also the the observers who came over uh into vandram uh so the people were in fact wanting uh Mr. Kadishan as the chief minister it's a right decision good decision by the high command >> in your in your view Mr. Banan why did it take so long how do you how do you assess the fact that it took almost two weeks to take a decision IML was very firm that you wanted VD satish >> it's immaterial now what whatever time they took is immaterial now once they took a decision they have taken the right decision the decision is the most important thing and the decision which they took was the right decision so whatever time how muchever time they have taken is immaterial >> Mr. Mr. Van you know now the BJP in the state is saying that according to media reports from Keralam 47 MLAs of the Congress were actually in favor of uh of Casey Vin Kopal that is what they had conveyed to Mul Vasnik but ultimately it was the IUML which almost armwisted the Congress high command into settling for Vid Satisan how do you respond to that and of course they're linking all of that to Vionard vote bank politics etc. sorts of narratives will be there now because uh I was I was watching the press briefing of Diwas Munchi she was very clear that uh they took the opinion of all concerned including the MLAs over there and Congress has got a set pattern for deciding all these kind of things and I think they've taken into account all those factors for taking this decision >> but are you worried then Mr. with more than 40 plus MLAs supporting KC is what we got to know over the last few days. Are you worried that this could be an issue in the coming days within the alliance? There could be some reservations that are voiced over this will be able to >> Okay, sorry to interrupt you. So I think we've got some fresh word coming in from the Congress. Congress.
And once the once that procedure is over, we will go to meet the Kerala governor. We will tell the MLS that Congress command has decided on We will meet at the state assembly hall.
Thank God. Thank you.
>> At 6 p.m. this evening, there will be a Congress legislature party meeting where all the 63 MLAs of the Congress will meet together and uh we'll be told that the high command has chosen uh VD Satishan once they and you know once that procedure is finalized we will go and meet the governor to stake claim to form the government. That's the Congress uh announcement there.
Padmaaja Shiv and Vedikar.
>> All right. So from uh this morning 1:00 to 4:00 now to 6:00 that meeting has been moved this at a time when you had Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi meeting with uh Casey this morning but we're going to go across to Janendra. I believe he is outside uh Satishian's residence if I'm not mistaken. Janendra celebrations out there as well if you can hear us.
Yes. Yes. We are at Vi Satishan's house in Tendrram and here now supporters have gathered and they are sloganering and they ARE THANKING CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR THE DECISION and we can see cutouts in their hand. We'll try to talk how happy all of you are.
>> We are so so happy because we are waiting for only this decision. THIS IS THE RIGHT DECISION. THIS THIS ONLY THE RIGHT DECISION >> WAITING FOR 10 years for this 10 years rule change. Okay. Because we have been so much like waiting for a regime change and people are people have been so so much anxious for >> why do you think BECAUSE IT TOOK SO MUCH TIME so much so much time for Congress leadership >> because we had to rearrange with UDF supporter >> we have to pressurize Congress leadership >> and no actually it's the people's mandate he gave us this victory that's all. So now what are expectations from the uh coming chief?
>> 100% of the positives.
>> This may be the best best CM of the Canada.
>> Best CM will be the best. Yeah.
>> What are the expectations?
>> Best best CM best NCM.
>> What he had tell before the election he will he will completely finish all these things before he complete his. WHAT IS YOUR FIRST EXPECTATION FROM CM? Satish all expecting a big >> proud of. So uh now I'm told that Satishan have started the press conference and uh we will try to show you his first picture after the announcement. Now Satishan is going to start press conference. G just try to give frame and uh so after the big announcement the uh upcoming chief minister of uh Kerala or we can say CM designate of Kerala Prince where Vidi Satishan is about to speak. He's just been appointed the chief minister designate of Kerala.
We'll have information on when the swearing in is very shortly. A huge scrum of reporters unsurprisingly uh uh you know to get a picture and get the first word from a man who always has a smile on his face. Vedica and Padma, you know, some people would call him the smiling assassin for what he's been able to pull off uh uh in the face of massive headwinds from the high command and from Rahul Gandhi himself. He's really come out on top. Let's listen it.
change circumstances of the Congress in light of what we have seen in the recent elections where you've got your local leaders, grassroot leaders also in a sense getting their supporters to exert pressure over the high command. So far it was unquestioned unchallenged Delhi got to take the decisions. So you had and and look at the confusion. Yesterday you got reports of how ladus had come to the house of Ki Venu Gopal. I guess all of those ladus will be headed in Vidi Satishan's direction. Perhaps Deepa Dasmi is carrying some of them to Thiranpuram. But you will also increasingly have leaders of the Congress and like we were discussing earlier what does this do to what is happening what has been brewing in Karnataka. Now a DK Shaakumar will also be emboldened.
>> Uh and you know this weakened high command uh leading to uh you know factions in different states flexing muscle breaking disciplinary protocol and having camps and social media walls and posters and cutouts and things. uh you know has been a sort of running feature of Congress for the last uh you know five six years. We've seen it in Rajasthan. We've seen it in Chhattisgarh. Uh we we saw it in Punjab obviously in in Karnataka it's become part and parcel of politics there even in Himrad in Kerala. Yeah. And in Himachal Pradesh as well >> but all of this while the high command had prevailed now you have allies you've got the regional leaders sort of ganging up and also starting to flex their muscle just that little bit more.
>> Yeah. and uh and the IUML like you said they they were firmly in Satishan's corner and you know and even though uh Harris Biran played that down what you asked him PMA I have a feeling that was a it may not have been the biggest muscle but certainly would have been a deciding factor in what the Congress was thinking about let's just let's just get some sound in from that press conference we want to hear all the hala that's happening in there before Satishan speaks >> please India, Indian National Congress, Congress.
I thank everyone in the Indian National Congress, Rahul Gandhi, everybody else on the stage team.
I am all that people who stood through the team UDF and all the people who voted for us. People of Kerala have gone through a bad government for the last 10 years.
What whatever we promise to the people one one by one we will fulfill them.
We will take every step to change the lives of the people, improve the lives of the people and transform Canada.
We will all work together to make this a possible.
This is a divine chance for us.
to serve the people of Kerala.
ACC AC Gopal was instrumental in keeping all of us together during this entire election campaign.
The campaign committee chairman Romesh Shala also was instrumental in this victory.
He's a leader close to my heart.
I will take all of them into full confidence.
I give the guarantee that I will take everybody along and discuss with them.
for to protect our and to form a new Kerala.
We need to take everybody along. Every section of the society along we will build a good team. We need to build a good team. One man cannot do anything to to build to get a new Kerala to transform Kerala. We need a team and that's my responsibility to build a team [clears throat] for Don't talk about history to us. There are so many states where other parties have taken much much longer to decide on chief minister. It is just a formality that took us the last 11 days.
>> We had to take the consultation of everybody the MLAs, the MP and all other stakeholders. So it took time.
Congress party is not a small party.
It's not an party. It's a party with a galaxy of leadership.
Team UDF team. He stood as team UDF and people wanted to see team UDF win.
All leaders, people wanted to see all leaders who are part of UDF whether it is or other victory.
All of us together stood as UDF. All the allies together stood as UDF.
We will go on like that only. We'll go on like team UDF in the future as well.
and parliamentary party.
We will all meet together. We will decide when to go meet the governor. Go meet the governor and decide on the swearing in date.
We have to take all these decisions coming on the cabinet who's who needs to be part of the cabinet who needs to be uh given what portfolio all that will be decided as one by the party. All of us will take a collective decision.
Is there any other question?
Vidi Satisan it's been a long wait 11 days and finally he is the chief minister of Keralam and hardly surprising Shivanika that there are uh statements saying everyone is going to work together this is team UDF everyone >> English don't push I will take everyone.
>> So your first reaction after the announcement.
>> Yes. Yes.
>> Wait wait wait wait.
Camera camera.
>> LET THE CAMERAS COME.
>> Unusual at all. So we will get you that first uh uh proper frame where you can hear the new chief minister. I express my sincere gratitude towards my party, the IAC leadership.
They interested me with huge responsibility and I'm very thankful to the team UDF the leaders and workers those who work hard as a single party and I dedicate my chief to the people of Kerala.
We have promised many things and I think we can build a team that team will create many things. It will change Kerala.
It will be a new era, a new Kerala. That is our target. We know that we are going through the tough times. Fiscal situation of Kerala is vulnerable. Even then we are hopeful that we can change everything.
>> Sir, when are you meeting governor and when are you taking sir?
>> That I have to discuss with my party leaders and the coalition leaders then only we will fix the next procedures.
>> Any call from Rahul Gandhi? Any congratulatory call from Rahul Gandhi or Casey Gupal?
>> Definitely all the ACC leaders called me. They congratulated me. So there has been a delay of about 11 days. No no no no no in so many places you have to go through that they took time Kerala you know that there are galaxy of leadership is here through a after a procedure consulting with MLAs MBS senior leaders >> initially there were reports that MLAs were backing but alliance partners were always >> all these all these newses were created by you the media people but how will you handle HOW WILL YOU HANDLE HOW WILL YOU HANDLE MLA support how will you how will you gather MLA support and is it a challenge for you >> who told you I don't have any MLA support >> you that YOU ARE CM YOU ALL THE SUPPORT >> YOU are you are all creating >> awareness swearing in so when can we expect swearing in >> that after having discussion with the other >> meeting the governor today you're meeting the governor >> no decided so far I have to consult with my leaders and to the coalition leaders >> is happening today.
>> Yeah, definitely. CLP is happening. We are waiting for the ACC observers. When they landed, it will be there.
VIRG SIR SATISH SIR YOU ARE LIVE at >> that press conference where Vi Satishan you know smilingly tells reporters we who told you I don't have the support of the MLAs you know now that the Veda and Palm now that the announcement has been made much of the narrative of the last 11 days will be blurred out uh you know in the in the sort of glory of this decision and this victory but there are going to be some tricky questions to asked the IUML Casey Venu Gopal whether Rahul Gandhi has had to sort of lay down his weapons he's not been able to push through his candidate which was very clearly Casey Venu Gopal and ultimately the man who we are hearing that Rahul Gandhi was actually quite upset about we hear that Rahul Gandhi was not very happy about the camp warfare that was playing out about BD Satishan's muscle flexing through you know posters and social media warfare that's the man that Rahul Gandhi has had to sort of sign off on Padma >> and the elephant in the room the vionard factor the fact that all of these posters went up in Vionard a Lok Sabha seat where in at least 10 to 11 assembly segments the IUML is very strong remember when first Rahul Gandhi then Priyanka Gandhi went to Yard the entire narrative built against them was that ultimately you are reduced to only one vote bank and you're dependent on them and now you have these slew of results on the back of which finally this Kerala chief minister's name and again that uncomfortable question that the Congress will find itself facing is this the Muslim veto that the Congress ultimately had to bow before >> what's also going to be interesting >> they've done a full chuck review around poor Satishan the journalist trying to get a word in you can see the NDTV mic also there I hope I hope there isn't a serious situation there with the new chief minister yeah >> but uh I've lost my thought there but I'll come back to it in a moment from now. I think what's also important to note here is how that meeting of the MLAs has been deferred two times over.
It'll be interesting to see what goes down even in that meeting at six o'clock today. It's at 6:00 today.
>> Yes. Like we've been saying and Padma has been reiterating that you had Casey with more than 40 plus Emily supporting him.
>> And these are reports by the way coming out of Kerala. And remember that famous picture I think Ver wants to come in on this as well but remember it was that famous picture of Mul Vasnik with a file which had all the names of the MLAs. at least 10 of them were visible and only one of them had uh Vidi Satishan's name and initials of Casey was scribbled next to every single MLA. So your own projection was that Casey Vinopal was the favorite for most of the MLAs and now the question asked will be Vira why do you have Vid Sadishan eventually >> look whether it's journalism or the Congress party or any party in terms of high command those in Delhi tend to have greater ability to send out their message the message that was coming from Thirmanapuram was quite contradictory the message that was coming from Thmanapuram was that the observers were manipulated by KC vendopal to show the names look case bi Satishan was also instrumental in deciding the number MLAs who contested etc. So I think the VD satician camp refused to accept that they did not have the support of the MLAs. As I told you at the start a very senior Congress leader told me this. He said if you go to the public they say VD Satishan. When you go to the MLAs in Delhi they say when the MLAs are in Delhi they say quesopal when they are in Tvandram they are split between VD Satishan and Romesh Chanala. So much machinations were at play and what you are right about is that there was a genuine tussle for the chief minister's post as was expected and I think eventually the congress relenting both a to the IUML and the allies clearly dictating that they want DT Satishan at play but more importantly to the fact that this is the man who led the party's charge living in Kerala against Pindra Vijan for the last five years >> and VA you got to give him credit where it's due as well he didn't only steer the party in winning an election He also rebuilt trust with team UDF to get where they are today.
>> No, let me just give you a little bit of an insight about this man. This one is a voracious reader. As I said, he knows his statistics at the back of his hand.
He can take on any chief minister, anyone on the finance issues, on the state's economy issues. You try quizzing him on the economy without being prepared, you're in for a shock because he'll throw back numbers at you which are fascinating. So he is somebody who has been leading the party from the front in terms of the floor of the house over the last 10 years last 5 years and let's not forget the last 5 years was extremely difficult for the congress.
Pindra Vijayan was an enormously charismatic face someone who had complete control and to take Pindra Vijay on for 5 years on the floor of the house then launch a campaign on the floor of uh the you know on the grassroots of the state go for a yatra from the start keep everything together.
Yes, he admitted that Casey Renugopal Romesh Chalit Tala were instrumental in keeping things together but I think largely the face that towered above the rest was BD Satishan as far as the public campaign was concerned and I think the Congress's ability very briefly Padma is to avoid a Karnatakaike situation in the end if you had given Casey venual it would have led to a Karnatakaike situation of constant battle for power this is a decisive decision by the high command to give stability to a state that's endowed them with a massive mandate.
>> All right, it's 1 p.m. and for all of our viewers who are just tuning in at lunch hour, the big big story coming out of Keralam is that finally the state has its chief minister 11 days after the results were announced across five assemblies and Vidi Satisan it is there was a lot of back and forth. Ultimately the decision was left to the high command. Vid Satisan had the support of a majority of the local MLAs. He had the ground support as team NDTV has been reporting. But then ultimately was Casey Vanukopal the choice of the high command. Why did the high command differ eventually to the will of MLAs and decide to name Vidi Satisan? Was it the allies pressure? Was it other consideration? Was it posters that went up? Or was it simply honoring a man who right at the outset Shivan Vedika had said if the Congress if the UDF does not win these elections I'm going to retire from active politics. He really put everything at stake there. He got them a win and finally he's been rewarded.
>> V you know another question I want to ask you is what would it have taken to uh uh uh uh you know get Casey Venu Gopal to back down and agree to this decision? Also the Rahul Gandhi factor.
You know we understand that there were some pretty heated discussions over the last few days where Rahul Gandhi was not very happy about the camp warfare that was openly happening in Kerala especially from the Vidi Satishan camp.
So what would it have taken internally for the Congress to finally decide on Vidi?
>> What would it have what would it have taken to plate Casey Venugopal? The instruction from Rahul Gandhi if Rahul Gandhi had decided and said look this is where we need to go. you need to come fall in line. That's it. These are loyalists who would fall in line. The difference is that perhaps a Vidi Satician may not be seen as that kind of a factor. I think there are multiple mission nations at play. I think going forward shift as Vidi Satishan pointed out in his first press conference. He wanted to take everybody along. He said he congratulated Casey Vagopal, Romesh Shala etc. You know when Rahul Gandhi had come to Kerala for that big uh yatra at the end of I mean for the big culmination of their yatra all of us were sitting in the same hotel where Rahul Gandhi was Romesh Chan tala uh was waiting Casey Venugopal was waiting and uh Casey Vengopal was coming with Rahul Gandhi Romesh Chaitala and Vid Satishan were waiting they wanted to dance together for the elections but it was very clear each one had their dance for the chief minister's post alive and I think Now it's important for VD Satishan given the charge he needs to take every faction of the Congress along every section of the Congress along. It'll be interesting to see what kind of cabinet portfolios come up. I expect him to keep finance because that's his forte.
>> You we talking about Karnataka as well Shiv V and Padma for a moment. Let's just talk about Casey Venu Gopal and DKS. Two loyalists seen as two troubleshooters both waiting in the wings still when it comes to chief minister ambitions.
>> Absolutely. And in fact, you know what I find really curious and maybe VR can tell us more about it. I always found it difficult to understand why would Rahul Gandhi want Casey to go to Kerala? Isn't Casey literally his eyes, ears, the person who controls us access, the person who organizes the meetings, who does the liazison with other parties why would Rahul Gandhi possibly want to let him go?
>> The answer to that is known only to Rahul Gandhi like in most cases decisions that he takes. died for what >> the answer is because Casey had been saying maybe the answer VA is that Casey has been saying you know look I've given my life to the Congress party and now I want to go and you know spend some time in this >> seems theelves sh ultimately politicians see themselves uh you know see the chance this is possibly the biggest chance to get the chief minister's post why did DK Shikumar push so much for it because he saw that the next term we're going to lose anyway it's unlikely that we're going to win I need to be the chief minister this is my only chance how long can I keep waiting Politics is full of uncertainty and I think Casey Venugopal was always the man behind the scenes keeping things together. He had a huge role to play in terms of choosing the MLA. So I wouldn't disagree that he had a lot of MLAs who are his loyalists but my only thing is that I wouldn't want to hazard a guess on the numbers because the numbers are extremely contentious since it's until it's out in the public and I think always you know for instance DK Shukumar will claim that he has 20 MLAs 30 MLAs you never know the numbers till it's actually put down to a floor test. So it's difficult to decide who had the numbers at this stage but I think Casey Venugopal really saw his chance so did Romesh Shala to an extent just that he lost out on the race much much uh you know as soon as it almost began >> you know and and there are so many parallels just like in Kerala you had Romesh Chanala say look I can be a consensus candidate similarly you have Mr. Permission and Karnataka every three months he pops up and he says look these two are people are fighting I am happy to take on this responsibility as a consensus candidate. So you've always got that one person who's like guys stop fighting I will take on the ownerous responsibility of being the next you know for national interest I'm willing to become chief minister only so that you know things are peaceful but finally it came to a point where Vidi Satisan had his way or whether the has its way or the local MLAs nobody knows but here is how it happened and the reactions that we got thereafter listen in to Deepipa Dasmi Casey Vinagopal and BD Satishan the AIC observers who had met with the new newly elected MLAs on May 7th, 2026 and many other leaders from the state including MPs, former PCC presidents have al also been consulted.
Based on all these discussions, it has been decided that Shri Vidi Satishan be appointed as the leader of the CLP.
wholeheartedly I am welcoming that decision. I am congratulating Vidi Sadish for this position. I think that people of Kerala has given a big verdict for the UDF. The government under the leadership of Vidi Sadish can fulfill the aspirations and promises of the people of Kerala. Certainly we are totally behind the with the government of Kenya.
>> Those were the leaders who spoke just moments after the decision. You also had Casey Veno Gopal come out and say that he's satisfied with the high command's decision. Then you had Diri Satishian the man of the moment the man on your screen who is the Keralum CM designate.
He has said that they will shortly be meeting the governor in a day or two and they will be deciding on the key cabinet portfolio shortly.
>> So today is that CLP meeting that takes place at 6:00 p.m. Uh so I I'm I'm just wondering what happens at that CL meeting. You know is there is there any more politics to be played any more uh intrigue or it's done? you know the weapons have been laid down now that a decision has been taken as as Vid uh and also Harris Biran of the IUML said well now the decisions been taken why are we still talking about why it took so long and what it took to get here VA >> it's purely just a formality right now and uh you know it's all dependent on the high command the high command knows where the MLAs are and I think Congress MLAs as somebody told me when the Karnataka dozen was on there is a large Congress MLA contingent which will abide by what the high command says and the high command has the final state when it comes to the Congress party. It always has and I think uh there were local factors if you had gone against Vidi Satish then you could have expected some kind of drama given the kind of persona that he is but once that the high command has decided and made an announcement and it's gone to this this extent I think 6:00 meeting is a formality where they have the MLAs come together they discuss other issues perhaps cabinet portfolios perhaps how they're going to accommodate everybody in the in the new cabinet and then decide on when to go to the governor and then also for swearing in ceremony which I expect Rahul Gandhi to be attending because he needs to endorse the decision that's been taken >> and BD Satish also made it a point that when he gives his acceptance speech today he reaches out to every single leader of every single so-called faction within the party so he acknowledged Casey Venu Gopal he acknowledged Romesh Chanitala and he said that this is not about who has become chief minister it's about team UDF listening >> so when are you meeting governor and when are you taking out sir that I have to discuss with my party leaders and the coalition leaders then only we will fix the next procedures.
>> Any call from Rahul Gandhi? Any congratulatory call from Rahul Gandhi or Casey Virup?
>> Definitely all the ACC leaders called me they congratulated me. I express my sincere gratitude towards my party the leadership.
They interested me with a huge responsibility and I'm very thankful to the team UDF the leaders and workers those who work hard as a single party and I dedicate my chief minorship to the people of Kerala.
We have promised many things and I think we can build a team.
That team will create many things. It will change Kerala.
It will be a new era, a new Kerala. That is our target.
>> And we in addition to everything else, it'll also be interesting to see how the allies are accommodated. The fact that a big chunk of 22 seats is what gets to the table. they will want their pound of flesh as well.
>> Absolutely. Uh Kunali Kouti when he was in our conclave had made it very clear that he was not going to be part of this chief minister conversation at the moment and he also said uh he refused to dulge what cabinet portfolios they want and I think the will have its pound of flesh will demand its pound of flesh.
Let's for let's not forget the realities of Kerala there 63 seats for the Congress which is seven short of a majority on its own but 22 for the IUML and the rest of the seven despite a historic massive mandate of 102 out of 140 no single party still has its own clear majority in the state and that's the history of Kerala it's the it's the it's the grassroot arithmetic of Kerala that plays out and I think what Vid Satishan said very importantly at one of our conversations Padma was that He does not see this as a political alliance. He sees this as a social coalition going forward. Much like how Siddraia saw the Ainda social coalition going forward. He sees this as a social coalition. Why he sees it as a social coalition is because he wants to be this all-inclusive leader of all the sections. Which is why the point that you're making is important.
The importance of the IUML support. What explains the importance of the IUML support. He's not seen as a congressman.
He's seen in a sense as a leader above the Congress. one who is an ideologue in nature who can take a social coalition along. So I think that explains the kind of uh you know commitment the IUML had given for VD Satician is the sense that one picks up >> and also Satishan is the man who has questioned and also argued over how internal rift within the Congress was hurting the party more than the opposition VA he's the one man who called it out consistently >> absolutely you know through the start of the election he's not you know everyone whether it was Romesh Chan Tala and we had Vasuda and I had breakfast with Romesh Chan Tala who said that we all had a meeting together. We have all been told to keep our uh keep quiet till the end of the election.
>> We're going to cut across live to an interview with the man of the moment.
>> That's the democracy is the discourse.
>> Huh?
>> Discourse that is happening.
>> Congress party is a democratic party.
>> That process has completed.
>> Huh.
>> They have discussed with all the MLS MPs.
>> Yes.
>> Senior leaders >> and they have taken a decision.
>> Yes. So big a big win for the Congress party. There are also a lot of you know community leaders also that you need to now meet and bring them on board also big isn't it?
>> We will we will cooperate with all of them.
>> I don't have any complaint >> with anybody >> those who criticized me it is their right.
>> Yes it is their right.
>> Not only the chief minister the opposition leader can be criticized.
>> Yes.
>> They have every right. What do you think is the biggest >> system is coming?
>> What do you think is the biggest?
>> I won't be intolerant. I won't be intolerant. I will hear what they are saying.
>> Yes.
>> If I have to correct, I will correct.
>> What is the biggest reason?
>> They are all senior fellows.
>> Yes. What the senior to me?
>> What is the biggest reason for your this victory or what is the what do you think is the biggest reason?
>> That is team UDF.
>> Team UDF work together as a single party.
>> All right. Thank you so much. Thank you so much.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, the man who in 2011 wanted a ministerial position. Ver didn't get it. 15 years later, he's the man who will be leading the Keralum government.
>> Point out here the nature of the leader that he's he's seen as somebody who's dictatorial and authoritarian Padma and I think that was the big reluctance Shivan Padma and Dika for the rest of the power lobbies in the Congress to accept him as the chief minister. You know, one of the big problems is that he can ruffle feathers. He he can be decisive. He can state things and as I just pointed out to you, most congressmen would just say high command will decide. To say that I have a different point of view, but I will abide by the high command is a departure for a congressman. And I think that's the reflection of VD Satish and as Sashwin rightly pointed out he's not someone who is seen as one particular cast base. Uh you know, not somebody who panders to the NSS or the SNDP, not somebody, you know, somebody who's seen as above the rest. And in that sense he's perhaps uh uh you know uh the the kind of ideologue that we've not seen.
Let's see the road ahead for him is going to be one of building consensus and taking people along. It's not going to be an easy task given the kind of leaders who are there in the Congress and the fact that the Congress's entire par lobby is much stronger in Delhi than it is in Thirvanapur. You know, and I just want to underscore the fact that the first channel to have got the new chief minister of Keralam on record speaking exclusively is NDTV because when it is about elections even the leaders the CM designates know where it matters which is the channel where they will be heard where the people will be watching them and we'll play that out again because Vidi Satisan for the first time speaking as the man who has been named as the next chief minister of Keralam was right on NDTV. Listen in again.
>> Emphatic decision.
>> I express my gratitude towards the ACC leaders and Rahul G and other leaders and I dedicate my leadership to the people of Kerala.
We have offered many things. We will work for them. We will build a team and work for Kerala. Future Kerala. We will make changes. Create a new era.
So so many MLAs have come together. They have a difference of opinion. Now you have to have a challenge to bring everybody together.
>> Democratic democracy is the discourse >> discourse that is happening.
>> Congress party is a democratic party.
That process has completed.
>> They have discussed with all the MLS MPs senior leaders >> and they have taken a decision.
>> Yes. So big a big win for the Congress party. There are also a lot of you know community leaders also that you need to now meet and bring them on board also.
Isn't it innocent?
>> We will we will cooperate with all of them.
>> I don't have any complaint >> with anybody.
>> Those who criticized me, it is their right.
>> Yes.
>> It is their right.
>> Not only the chief minister, the opposition leader can be criticized.
>> Yes.
>> And they have every right.
>> What do you think is the biggest system is coming?
>> What do you think is the biggest?
>> I won't be intolerant. I won't be intolerant. I will hear what they are saying.
>> Yes. If I have to correct, I will correct.
>> What is the biggest reason?
>> They are all senior fellows.
>> Yes. To me.
>> What is the biggest reason for your this victory or what is the what do you think is the biggest reason?
>> That is team UDF.
>> Team UDF >> work together as a single party.
>> All right. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Congratulations to you. What do you have to say about this emphatic decision? I express my gratitude towards the ACC leaders, the congress and other leaders and I dedicate my leadership to the people of Kerala. We have offered many things. We will work for them. We will build a team and work for Kerala. Future Kerala we will make changes [clears throat] create a new era and our >> so so many have come together. Now you have to have a challenge to bring everybody together democratic. Yes, democracy is the discourse >> discourse that is happening.
>> Congress party is a democratic party that process has completed >> they have discussed with all the MLS MPs senior leaders >> and they have taken a decision.
>> Yes. So big a big win for the Congress party. There are also a lot of you know community leaders also that you need to now meet and bring them on board also.
Big isn't it?
>> Even we will cooperate with all of them.
Huh?
>> I don't have any complaint >> with anybody.
>> Those who criticized me, it is their right.
>> Yes, >> it is their right.
>> Not only the chief minister, the opposition leader can be criticized.
>> Yes.
>> They have every right.
>> What do you think is the biggest system is coming?
>> What do you think is the biggest reason?
>> I won't be intolerant. I won't be intolerant.
>> I will hear what they are saying.
>> Yes.
>> If I have to correct, I will correct.
>> What is the biggest reason? They are all senior fellows.
>> Yes. What's the senior to me?
>> What is the biggest reason for your this victory or what is the what do you think is the biggest reason >> that that is team UDF >> team work together as a single party.
>> All right. Exclusive by NDTV there. The first network to speak to the new chief minister designate. Uh you know this reminds me of the incredible way we got him live on results day as well. Padmma and Veda where we had a laptop and we were passing that around. We'll show that to you a little later. But right now, I want our cameras to keep uh the focus on the man of the moment. He's got a lot of work to do. Yeah. You know, the meeting the governor, the CLP meeting, that's going to be a formality. Uh calls that are going to be coming in as well.
After 11 days of what was undoubtedly, you know, he dismissed it very politely and said that's a media creation, VA. Uh you know, you guys are saying that I don't have the MLAs itself, but we know we know that this this wasn't smooth sailing. 11 days meant that there was definitely a lot of push and pull. One side had to finally concede in the end.
Uh uh you know what what pulls and pressures finally took place. What kind of muscle flexing happened? We'll know later. But right now this is a man who has emerged victorious. That much we can say VR.
>> That's right. Uh and three big takeaways. One is Tiranapuram wins over New Delhi as far as the Congress is concerned. It's not often that that happens. Uh and I think number two is that BD Satishian will have to now learn to take everybody along because as you rightly said that there are enormous power lobbies and they would want their pound of flesh. And number three the road ahead for VD Satishan is going to be one of a consensus building chief minister not that authoritarian charismatic perhaps dictatorial opposition leader that he was who would just have his way when he went into things. So he'll have to learn the art of being chief minister. Great opposition leaders aren't always great chief ministers. We'll have to wait and see how this plays out for Vidi Satishan but of course he's a man of great talent as I mentioned uh a fascinating personality in himself and I'll tell you where we need to book our tickets shaded we have to book our tickets to Kabini because he's a wildlife >> and he promised you he promised you on counting day itself that he's going to give you that interview again. He's scaled every top peak in south India in the western guards and he's promised that he'll do an interview with us in Kabili which is HIS MOST FAVORITE RESORT is ready V.
>> Hang on. He can do that only if the DK shakumarinda battle is settled in Kerala. [laughter] This time if he comes down it'll be a problem.
>> So you have to decide whether you'll go there or you'll go to Golden Eagle Resort. the famous Golden Eagle resort where a lot of Congress MLAs periodically keep going to apparently cool off because it's so warm in Bangalore. But you know also when you when you mentioned that you've got various power lobbies it's not as if all of them are going to be settled as we speak. Tri is reporting from Delhi that Casey Van Gopal has gone in for another meeting with Rahul Gandhi and it's going to be interesting the dynamics of the next few months because you still have here in Delhi somebody who's widely believed Shivan Veda and Vira to be the gatekeeper to Rahul Gandhi. He is Rahul Gandhi's eyes and ears. He right now hasn't got what he presumably wanted the chief ministership of Kerala and now he's going to be sitting right here next to RJ every single day. There are going to be a lot of groans and grumbles in the Congress party because as Rashid Kiddo had written in his ndtv.com column a couple of days ago, a large number of Congresswall were actually hoping and praying that Rahul Gandhi has his way and that Casey Vinugopal is sent as chief minister so that the access to Rahul Gandhi becomes a little easier because Casey Vinopal had stood there as a kind of firewall pretty much managing access to Rahul Gandhi becoming that number two way beyond sort of man Friday uh but but that is not to be at KC on a lighter note I don't know if it caught anyone's eye because this came out right about the time when the election results were coming out there was a front page story of how there was an impostor who pretended to be the personal secretary of Rahul Gandhi and he duped congressmen I think either this was in Himachal or some place and the best part is everyone believed him because nobody had ever actually most of the congress people hadn't met the personal [laughter] secretary of Rahul Gandhi so this man for many months pretended to be able to give direct access to RG and he was able to dupe all of these guys. So when you have somebody like a quesanugopal that's how much power he wields right here in Delhi and I believe we have Ashwin the man of the moment for NDTV who managed to get the man of the moment for the congress and Kerala first of all congratulations Ashwin what a great exclusive on a day like this with the person who finally has got what he wanted even if he had to wait 11 days for it >> and 11 years >> and 11 years [laughter] Absolutely.
Absolutely. I got an experience of what was very close to you know getting into a stampede like situation. So it was very crazy but somehow managed to get it. [laughter] But saying that it is a man of the hour vati dam mudin satishan is the 13th chief minister. So getting him it was not an easy deal. But saying that he very well spoke he spoke that he will bring everybody into the table. In fact uh you know one of the biggest uh reasons is that there is a ner who has come to the top chair who is not in good terms with the NSS. This has never happened in the Congress party ever. So that is the first amendment which probably he will have to start from because even yesterday the NIA service society top man criticized uh Satishan. So this is where the power play will be eventually. And the second thing is when this our sources said 47 MLAs are in support of Casey Venugopal.
Certainly this is a chunk of MLAs that he will have to bring together because for the governance to be smooth to be accelerating he needs their support nevertheless. So that is why he said that he will bring everybody on board because whether I have spoken to all the people who are against critical of Vid Satishan they say he has a tendency almost half of Pindra Vijin this is a common comment that I have received but here is the man who is saying that he will bring everybody on board in his first exclusive with the national network and that is something that we will be watching very closely uh and certainly it's an emphatic win that he has finally won. It has been a a flip of coin. Every half an hour we were like getting updates that sometimes it'll be Casey, sometimes it'll be him and then finally the poll finally went to him and certainly he's the man who has brought in team UDF. If you notice Maja and all all of my colleagues, he still he still gave the credit to team UDF. It's a consistent [clears throat] campaign that he has been running for the last 5 years which in my memory I have not seen any congressman stating team UDF and perhaps this is a strength which he is drawing from to know that right from right from Meshwaram the top end of Kaser court to Kataka the and the southern end of Thirvant he will need the support of everybody. The only thing missing from his side is the community leader support which is of course of SNDP Wilination and Sukumar >> and Ashwin that's something even to talk about for the simple reason that when he was chosen leader of opposition back in 2021 you see Congress leaders and you've written an article on this as well Ashwin going to community leaders cast leaders once that happens he didn't do it back then >> absolutely I uh I want to put across one of I want to quote one of his interviews which he gave in 2015 where he said Congress leaders problem is that when community leaders tell them to sit they will lie down this is the problem I have with Congress leader >> you know >> yeah and and you know we we will we'll talk to you more about how he managed to get the votes of all of these communities without explicitly cowtowing to any of them but now the politics around the choice of chief minister has started and how the BJP of course has taken pot shots at the Congress and they have spoken something that we in fact uh also were discussing earlier. The fact that the Muslim League, the IUML, the principal ally of the Congress, member of the UDF in Kerala, they come with 22 MLAs and they are critical for this alliance to stay in government. [music] And the BJP is saying the fact that eventually BD Satishan was chosen is proof of how the Muslim League wields uh a lot of influence within this alliance and they have again reiterated the charge of how they are the Mauist Muslim League. Remember this was a term first used by the prime minister saying that the Congress is now reduced to a MMC Mauist Muslim Congress and again that charge coming back to haunt [music] them in Canada. So the BJP which had first said look look at the picture that the BJP has just posted from its Keralum handle Padma and Veda uh this kind of reinforces what they had been saying for a while now and now they have every reason to do it on Padma's 9 8mm show yesterday she had said very specifically that uh you know posters had been put up in Ward in Ward was it was it established that these had been put up by VD Satishan supporters or the >> Here's the thing you know I actually I actually wanted to ask the IUML earlier.
How did those posters mysteriously come up? Nobody actually took ownership. But imagine you've got posters in Vionard specifically warning Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi no less >> saying Vard will become another Amiti.
>> Yes. That you will not be able to win in Vard. You will never be able to win Kerala if you choose Casey Venual. He may be and those were the words on the posters not mine saying that he may be your bad carrier in Delhi but you cannot force Casey Vinopal on us. This is a warning you will lose Vard if Casey Vinugopal is chosen as chief minister and now that is going to be quoted again and again and that pretty much is the import of that poster which has been put out by BJP Keralam as well. So that threat did it eventually have any bearing on the choice of Vid Satisan.
may never know but the fact is that you have IUML as a very critical ally. You need those numbers to stay in government. Those posters did go up in Bayard and it's a known fact that the support of the IUML, the support of the Muslims is critical for the Congress to win in >> and while you may not know what really went down, what will be an indicator perhaps is also that meeting that will be held today Padmaja later in the day where you will have the IUML where you'll have the Congress MLAs talking obviously we'll try to get you the inside track but at the moment also what Padmaja pointed out Casey Venu Gopal and a second meeting also with Rahul Gandhi which also goes to prove that there's more to this than what meets the eye.
You also have the BJP coming out and slamming the Congress over its decision, saying that this seems to be more of a decision of the IUML than the Congress.
>> And remember, just to put this in a larger context. This is not just about what is happening in Kerala. Take a look at the results in West Bengal. You've got only two MLAs of the Congress after they had a drought in 2021. And they finally managed to get two MLAs and both of them one is from Rani Nagar the other one is from a seat Faraka which has about 80% Muslims. So Rani Nagar you've got 60% Muslim population. Faraka you've got 80% Muslim population. The Congress finally makes a comeback wins two of those seats. In Assam you have 19 Congress MLAs. One of them is an SC uh candidate. One of an SC uh reserved seat and 18 of them are Muslims. And who who first made that charge? Badrudi Najala.
>> Shazad's on the phone line. Puja.
>> Yeah. Shazad Punawala, national spokesperson of the BJP now joins us. Is it fair Shazat Punawala to accuse the Congress of being a Muslim League like party of claiming that it's only the IUML pressure? After all, like our reporters have been saying, Vidi Satisan did enjoy the local support as well.
>> Oh no. First of all to congratulate Muslim League for appoint the Congress party because this has got the stamp of entire Muslim League. I am privy to Congress details and Congress functioning. I was told that the reason why Casey Vinu Gopal and Reish Chanitala's number got cut is because they are preferred by church but Congress wanted to go out all out to appease PFI Muslim League for VAR calculation and therefore madame Priyanka Vadra said that if you don't make Satishan that means the Jamaat and Muslim League candidate I will lose my election from Vard. So therefore under the pressure of Priyanka and Jamaat the Satishan nomination has been taken ahead and it is my information and also you see in Assam also you were rightly saying Padma that most of the people are people who have won the cost ticket where very few Hindus have won [clears throat] only one Hindu C community person as one because they have to forcibly give the seat to the reserve seat. In Bengal it is two out of two. In Kerala also out of maximum Muslim MLAs from the entire assembly maximum belong to Congress. Has become a Jinawadi Congress. It is not Gandhi Wadi Congress. It is a complete M League. It has become and I would say it should be called Indian National Caliphate Inc.
>> Unavala. One could also say that this could just be coalition politics like in Bihar where you have an alliance. This could just be coalition politics when it comes to the state of Keralimm.
We're going to try and reconnect that line with Shzad. It's a it's a very poor phone line. I'm going to uh I don't want to subject my viewers to that bad phone line. So, we'll try and repatch Shazad.
But in the meanwhile, Vikica, the point you were making is that this could be coalition politics as well and the normal pulls and pressures. But not surprising at all that the BJP has picked up this one bit because like Padma said, it's been something that they've been saying over and over again whether in Bengal, whether in Asam and now in Kerala.
>> Absolutely. And and you know this has been an ongoing conversation. Let's look at it from the Congress's point of view.
You know Pawan Kha the day after Badrudi Najal first made that charge and why Badui Najal has good reason to be angry with the Congress party. Remember he was the unchallenged keeper of that vote bank as it were in Assam. Then cut to 2024 he was defeated by Raki Bul Hassan of the Congress party by a margin of 10 lakh votes. That was the highest margin across the country. Cut to 2026 somebody who I think had about 20 MLAs was reduced to only three MLAs. You had the Congress taking away all those areas where the AIUDF earlier had a presence.
You've got Lower Assam, Barack Valley, all of that was now a Congress area. All the delimitation seats were a Congress area. But the counterargument is this is a democracy at the end of the day.
Muslims will have to vote for somebody.
And if they've chosen the Congress, if they've chosen a national party who can be an effective counter to the BJP as it continues to win state after state, >> they decide to vote for them. I think Shazad is back with us. Shazad tuna.
Yes. Go on, make your point. How can we be so convinced that it is only the Muslim vote and not local factors, local support that weighed in in favor of Vid Satisha? Go on.
>> You see, Priyanka Vaja has won YNR. Can you hear me now?
>> Yes. Is it possible to hear me?
>> Yes.
>> Priyanka Vaja has won Priyanka Vaja has won Yard seat with the help of PFI, Muslim League and Jamaat. And after she has won that seat, you will see that constantly even Mr. Satishan was the first one to say that yes we are in alliance with Jamat. When Jamaat made call for Islamic Republic, Satishan he had defended it also. He said it's okay if they have said something like this.
Then Muslim League and Jamat both have weighed upon Priyanka that you will lose your seat if you do not make satis. And therefore out of all this calculation Priyanka G has weighed in on Mr. Rahul Gandhi and said that no we cannot allow church to have second candidate. Church has also given them support for Tamil Nadu Mr. Joseph. So they have already appeased church in Joseph's case. So here they have appeased the jamaat. So it is a balancing act between both these factions and therefore this has been done. And you can see the kind of people who are getting elected on Congress. It is exclusively on 99% Muslims are getting elected in Assam in Bengal 100% Muslims have got elected on Congress ticket. So Congress was also interested in doing the Hindu hatred politics.
You've seen statement given by Congress on Sanatan also in the assembly of Tamil Nadu. So this all comes to the same conclusion that Congress has now become Indian National Caliphate.
>> All right. I also want to quote to you data that was put out by Pawa just a week ago where he said that we've got 664 MLAs nationwide and 78% of them are actually Hindu. Only 12% are eventually Muslims. You're looking at only one state or two states but of the total 600 plus MLAs they have across the country 78% belong to the Hindu community.
Shazadala.
>> No, no. The point that is not the right way of calculating. The right way of calculating is that when in a particular state which has a certain amount of Muslim he or Muslim vote there you completely exclude the Hindu community.
Therefore example of that is Assam.
Wherever the Muslim community reaches a critical mass Congress then excludes the Hindus. That's why you would remember that lot of the Hindu leaders of Assad Congress they have felt that we can no longer continue in Congress party and they have come towards the side of him Sharma. So in Bengal in Assam wherever there's a critical mass of Muslim vote now in Kerala they will now chip towards exclusive Muslim representation that is the plan of the Congress party.
>> All right I think V also has a question for you Shazad. Go on V. Shazad, I was just listening to you saying that the Muslims have gravitated towards the Congress etc. How can you justify that with the fact that 102 MLAs was won by the UDF overall? We only have 22 of the IUML. Isn't it a little unfair to say that it's only one community support that's led to the victory and armwisted the Congress to choose one chief minister, a party with 63 MLAs? Uh would it just be one to pedal the narrative that you all have been peding?
>> No. No. V is not mind active. People say BJP is a communal party. Mr. Pinay Vijan has said this. I can quote the exact date and time. Mr. Pinay Vijan has said that Congress quote unquote takes the support of them to win election. And therefore if Mr. Pinay Vijan has also come to the same conclusion then why fault poor Shazad Punawala and BJP for it? This is not our narrative. This is you know and don't take it in other spirit. It's just in a lighter comment.
Now the common thing that is said in Keralum is that more than the Muslim person Congress does six time or seven time Namaz because they have to and they have to appease to the PFI. So they are doing seven time Namaz and Muslim is doing five time Namaz. This is what is said about Congress party by left leaders local left leaders.
>> Okay. You know this is going to be very very interesting the way this entire narrative plays out in the leadup to the Labai elections which remember are just 3 years away and the next set of elections that we are going to see are going to be as critical as important and from the looks of it as polarized when you're talking about Uttar Pradesh similar considerations when you're talking about Uttarakhand the first state to have brought in the UCCC when you're talking about Gujarat as well this particular charge where you have a national party being accused of the only other national party of pretty much being reduced to the votes of one community. Is that going to lead to a sharp polarization? Shatun Navala, thanks very much for joining us. Ver do you see this carrying on into the next few elections as well? The states that we mentioned and of course Karnataka happens next >> is very clear. There is a sense that the minorities believe that the Congress and this is a sense that I got in Kerala as well. The reason why there was such a strong north central consolidation in favor of the congress is that there was a sense that the congress is the party which can actually reflect the issues in parliament and etc. The left had lost its space to take that issue beyond Kerala. In fact, if you notice Pendra Vijan did make efforts to reach out for the minority vote towards the end of the campaign. In fact, even during our conclave, he sent out a message of uh you know solidarity with the minorities.
So, leave that aside. An assembly election and a parliamentary election cannot be seen as one. Uh I think the dynamics of a parliamentary election is going to be very very different as far as Kerala is concerned as it has been in the past and it's going to be a very interesting experiment to watch on how the congress takes very very different sections together. Very brief point Paja as Ashman was pointing out BD Satishan is one who's not favored by the NY service society as well. All right. The NAR vote is something that the BJP has been wanting to gain traction with. How it's going to play out in terms of cast arithmetic, in terms of grassroot arithmetics as we head into the 2029 parliamentary elections will be possibly very different from what we've seen in an assembly election.
>> All right, more reactions coming in. I believe we have BJP spokesperson Bandari speaking.
Clearly evident that the new Congress chief minister pick from Kerala was not the choice of the Congress MLAs but was the choice of the Indian Union Muslim League. Yet again the Gandhi Wadra family has proven that they listen to the dictat of the Indian Union Muslim League. The remote control of the Congress party and the Gandhi Wadra family is under the Indian Union Muslim League. This is why the Congress party today is nothing short of the modernday Muslim League. The Congress is the Muslim League Maadi Congress.
It is clearly evident that the new Congress chief minister pick from Keral more of such attacks on the Congress and specifically on the Kerala Congress in the next few days. This narrative is something that is only going to gain more traction in the days to come. We have to take a very very quick break at this point. But much much more on the biggest story of the day. Don't go anywhere.
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We do not want to be part of an experiment. Show us around and then come to me at the Neu Stadium in Chennai.
Unconditional support.
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Mahasachv Shrimulasnik G or AIC Mahasachv Keralum Deepa Gadas Ghat informally >> [music] >> Welcome back. We're moving away from Keralum for a moment to bring you a controversy that is brewing in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Sanatan Dharm political flash point is back in the state and this time the controversy has erupted from within the TVK. A fresh row has broken out after TVK MLA s Mustafa has declared that he had entered the political field only to eradicate Sanatan invoking Perrier and Ambedkar.
The remark has now triggered a massive political backlash. The BJP has launched a sharp attack on Vijay as well as his party accusing the party of following the DMK Congress line of appeasement politics.
What is the word sanadana means in Sanskrit? Indestructible. What is indestructible?
Manuhma is indestructible is what they mean. But they won't speak.
But the Dvidian movement was started only for the sake of Hindus that they should understand.
90% of the Hindus were sidelined as sudras and punjamas. They were not given education. They were not even allowed to go into the streets where upper class people living against which the rebinian movement that justice party was started when we are continuing with that process. We want everybody should be treated on par. What that is what war said 2,000 years back that all men are born equal. Sanadana is against this concept of world war. They sanadana is not a concept. The meaning of the word sanadana is indestructible. What is indestructible is manhma is indestructible. So we oppose that. Let them say that manhma is notad.
>> Mr. Talin wanted to provoke and instigate you know Mr. Vijay the chief minister and you know he wanted to create issue on this and that is why intentionally with the malified intention he has started this so Mr. Vijay should have cleared it on that day itself day for today itself stating that the opposition leader should not have spoken about any other any religion so Mr. Vijay who says that he is for every religion he is for everyone. He should have condemned on that day in the floor itself.
>> Days back leader of opposition in Tamil Nadu assembly and DMK leader Udanidi Stalin had made a similar kind of remark evoking a political showdown and that happened in front of the newly anointed chief minister of the state Vijay.
That's all we have time for in this edition of Breaking Ground. News and updates continue on NDTV [music] 247.
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We know for sure that they have, you know, confirmed their support to him.
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Unconditional support.
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And at top international focus, US President Donald Trump is in China for the Beijing summit. China rolled out the red carpet for him. Both leaders shook hands. Trump received ceremonial guard of welcome and held bilateral talks. In his opening remarks, Trump hailed Chinese president by saying it is, and I'm going to quote him here, an honor to be meeting shei today. He also said that he's brought the best business leaders in the world with him on this visit.
Trump also mentioned that all eyes are on this biggest summit. Chinese president called on Trump to build a brighter future together. He said that the world has come to a new crossroad.
Can China and US work together is the big question. Meanwhile, she has warned Trump and this is important and one of the biggest takeaways from this summit that mishandling the Taiwan issue could cause clashes and even conflicts between US and China. So while they talk about trade, they're talking about technology, she made it a point to underscore Taiwan as well. always believe that our two countries have more common interests than differences.
Success in one is an opportunity for the other.
And a stable bilateral relationship is good for the world.
China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era.
>> Mr. President, I look forward to our discussions on major issues important to our two countries and the world and working together with you to set the course for and steer the giant ship of China US relations so as to make 2026 a historic landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China US relations.
>> It's an honor to be with you. It's an honor to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.
Thank you very much. Thank you.
>> All eyes on that big meeting that continues in Beijing. We're sitting a short break. The top focus once we are back here on NDTV 247 will be Congress picking Satishan as CM designate for now. Very soon they will be meeting with the governor with Satishan going and knocking on the doors of the governor's residence to stay claimed to form the government in Keralum.
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[bell] The Congress Legislature Party had met in Thuvantapuram on May 7th, 2026 and had unanimously resolved to authorize the Congress President to appoint the new leader of the CLP in the state of Keralum.
Accordingly, the Congress president has held extensive discussions with the chairperson of the Congress parliamentary party, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sava, the AIC observers who had met with the new newly elected MLAs on May 7th, 2026 and many other leaders from the state including MPs, former Former PCC presidents have all al also been consulted.
Based on all these discussions, it has been decided that Shri Vidi Satishan be appointed as the leader of the CLP. Thank you so much.
>> Clears the air. Then Shiv it is Vidi Satishan the next chief minister of Keralum. He has been the choice shiv when it comes even to the IUML on the ground. He's done the spade work over the years. He's being rewarded for that.
But this isn't the end to the drama perhaps given that you have Casey Venu Gopal who spent the morning with the Gandhi and the announcement.
Hello, welcome to Southern View and today we have the big breaking story from Kerala and that is that uh after VD Satishan has been named the chief minister we are now getting inputs that the oath taking of the new uh government the UDF government will be on Monday that's right uh what we are getting information is that on Monday uh the oath taking ceremony will be held and the VD satish will be taking his oath.
Now also on the parallelly what will now happen is that once that's as the [music] chief minister candidate decided the ministerial candidates discussion will also likely to happen very soon.
Now right now we are at the contonement house and over here all the allies will be coming to meet with satician over here and discuss the possible future [music] of what are the uh what are the other uh norms that needs to be done.
[music] But one thing is clear that uh the government formation is and oath taking will happen on Monday. That's a big breaking [music] update. Apart from that the second story that we have is that Casey Venu Kopal has in fact stated that although the support of the MLAs have been instrumental for him. The high command had finally decided and that he believes in the high command decision.
He has stated that the high command is in fact looked at in every single aspect of [music] it and he respects it and as a congressman he will always live by the ethos of the congress party. Now in an exclusive conversation this is what he had to say that Kesi Benugabal has got the maximum support in the CLP >> among the MLAs. Yes.
>> Yes. One more thing both NSS and SNDP has said that you have succumbed the pressure of of the Muslim League and Jamaati Islamic >> that we will answer. Let me go to Keralam. Okay, >> I will land. We will see it in a party.
>> Deep Das Muni has also reacted on after Vidi Satishan has been selected as the CM candidates and let's hear what she had to say.
Tri tri our reporter from Delhi Tri has an important conversation with Deepipadas Munchi an exclusive conversation. Tri what is it that Deepadas Munchi had to say?
>> Well an important meeting took place at the residence of Rahul Gandhi with Quesy Venu Gopal and Deepipadas Munchi Kerala observer. In fact, while interacting with media, she in fact stated that yes, it's a fact that majority of MLAs in the CLP meeting did support Casey Benu Gopal. This is a statement that she made. In fact, later on when we asked her that was it a pressurized decision that was taken because there were pressure in fact from the allies of the UDF particularly if you talk about IUML who was pressurizing for WD satish then she said that we cannot comment anything [music] on that. It's a high command decision and the decision of high command cannot be questioned. Not just once but multiple times she retaritated the fact that the decision has been taken by high command. Number one, the decision cannot be retargeted. But in fact, she also accepted the fact that yes, majority of families did support, you know, Casey Wen Gopal when it came to, you know, support when it came to the decision. But in fact what we are also picking up from our sources is that you know it was at the last minute when Vidi Satishan was chosen to be the final name for the chief ministerial post and now in fact what we're also learning is that another meeting is all set to take place at the residence of Casey Wenopal where K Sudhakaran is going to meet. He was supposed to meet some time back but Casey Wenopal went to Rahul Gandhi's residence. Deepadas Muni was also there.
She in fact multip she in fact you know stated which is important to highlight over here that MLA is a large faction of MLAs wanted that Casey should become the chief minister but when asked that what happened and why VD satish has been chosen to which she multiple times respond that it was all the decision were taken by the high command it was high command's call that means that they submitted their report but final decision was taken by high command we did ask her about what kind of report you submitted Is there you know any dissatisfaction amongst the MLAs? Is there any protest going on amongst the MLAs or any MLAs are unhappy? She again stated that it's the decision of high command. That means that all the decision has been taken at a point of time when Rahul Gandhi met Malikjun.
Remember that today Priyanka Gandhi Watra was also present in the meeting along with Casey Ben Wenopal and since you know Ashwin we have been reporting this morning that will it be a convincing meeting. So yes, it was a convincing meeting to Casey Wenugopal.
Now you know next we need to see that how back-to-back meetings will be taking place because remember that for that half an hour when Casey, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were meeting uh senior leader of the Congress party Salman Horshid also went also was the part of the meeting then one by one all of them left the residence of Rahul Gandhi. The decision was announced over there. Casey addressed the media. He spoke that I am happy. I'm satisfied by the decision.
I'll go by what what the opposition by the what the high command has said. And he also in fact accepted the fact that yes [music] there were MLAs in fact you know who were supporting supporters wanting me to you knowh you know become the chief minister but ultimately the high command decision is to be accepted and he's happy with whatever decision has been taken and he will also be going to the state of Keralimm is what he stated while in fact he answered one of the question uh to NDTB now needs to be seen that how backtoback meetings are taking place I want to interrupt you Tri there's a big breaking story tri we have a big breaking story and that is that BJP has BJP has now come forward to slam the Congress [music] party. In fact BJP has now uh labeled Satishan as the man of the Muslim League. In fact the BJP has went on to state that Congress has finally bowed [music] down to the pressures of the IUML. In fact, he it has also went on to even say that Congress cannot survive [music] in Kerala without the Muslim League and Vidi Satishan is a pick of the Muslim League and Congress succumbed to the pressures of Muslim League. This is a big breaking that we have from the BJP side in Kerala. Certainly this will be the uh be the message that BJP will be giving all the time with three MLAs of the BJP which is going to be in the legislative assembly this time for the first time in the history of uh the state certainly this will be one of the angles that we can [music] expect throughout the year when Vidi Satishan will be the chief minister that's the big breaking we have now back to you what were you bringing up you're bringing a special highlight on the situation in Delhi and the support that Ky Venu Gopal had got from in the MLAs.
Despite that, the high command chose over it. Over over to you, Tri.
>> Well, Ashwin, the day you remember when we spoke over the call when Casey Venugopal was landing here in the national capital, you in fact mentioned that yes, there will be a huge welcome off for Casey Venugopal. There were also massive celebration posters were installed and here also in fact all the uh youth the youth leaders in fact supported Casey Venu Gopal and in all the meetings in fact the MLAs for that matter the KPCC former presidents the senior leaders also when they met onetoone with Rahul Gandhi they in fact stated that you know they wanted that Casey Wenu Gopal should be made the chief minister their first pick was Casey Wenugopal but actually what happened wrong that will only be you know part of that particular meeting that took place between Malika Junge and Rahul Gandhi when perhaps the name was finalized because yesterday it was Jram Romesh who at around 4 p.m. announced that you know a press briefing will be held and today at 12:00 after back-to-back meetings were held in the national capital at Rahul Gandhi's residence number one at Malikajun KG's residence number two and then a final and then a final uh you know announcement being made at the at Congress [music] headquarters and then another meeting again taking place at the residence of Rahul Gandhi. So you know a lot of things going on uh just the announcement you know we cannot just say now Ashin that there's a full stop for the Congress party everything has been resolved just because the chief minister's name has been announced there is a lot more to come we also need to see that >> interactions happen that's a very interesting tri okay tri one of one of your Delhi colleague in fact Janendra is sweating out in Kerala I mean certainly the humidity is catching up with him but at this time he is bringing one leader He's having a one-on-one with the leader.
Janindra, you're there with me, right?
[music] You can hear. Tell us what do you feel? What is the mood on the ground over there?
>> Yes, I am I am inside Satishan's uh residence and uh and and waiting for him to come and interact with us. He have already talked with TV. We are also trying to uh that he speaks to our Hindi channel and here many of his supporters are also waiting for him to come out and the mood is of course you can understand that everybody was waiting in Kerala especially his supporters for 10 days for this announcement to come and now that the Congress party has announced for Satishan to be the next chief minister everybody is happy sir uh can you talk to us you are live on TV How how is how is the feeling and what are the expectations from CM Sadish? So we all are very much happy in the appointment of our newly elected leaders sadish and all the all each and every uh members of the care all the care were very much happy they were eagerly waiting for this appointment and we have very much expectations.
Uh were you all worried when time was leadership was taking time uh and the decision was was stuck delay was happening. So was there supporters worried? Were you worried that what decision is going to happen?
>> No, no, no, no. Because if whether it is take time also the good decision, the right decision at the right time. Okay.
>> Right decision at right time. Uh you don't want to speak, you want to speak ma'am.
>> Right.
>> Can you tell us how happy you are?
>> Happy why everybody's supporting Satish and Kerala.
>> Kerala satish.
>> What is what is the X factor in Satish?
What is the expected?
>> We have still with us. In fact, he has won from Kovalem. Let's hear from him.
>> So what do you feel now? Because I remember when the decision to know the chief minister decision was ongoing 3 4 days ago. You had come to house and you had spoken to me. What what do you have to say now?
>> No. So the all India Congress committee the Congress high command once again proved their ability to take a good decision.
>> That's that is my reaction.
>> Okay.
>> Once again on the right right decision on the right time. See uh Vidi Satishan is uh completely taken a different path in in in this entire career. You know what do you think that you expect out of him that is going to become a big change in the way Congress party is going to be working in the future because this government is coming after a huge debacle you know uh remember huge debacle 10 years out of power and coming back. What do you think is the fresh lease of life that Vi Satishan is going to bring in because he always says team UDF team UDF.
Uh regarding the government, >> no government faced such a uh difficulties, obstacles.
>> Not even in the economic sector. In all these sectors, >> there are a lot of difficulties are there.
>> So it is it is the government because we are all have more expectation in Vi sadish >> that he will do something. you you have high expectations. So >> not only me the people of Kerala.
>> So this is a big uh reaction that we are coming in bringing in from Viss the Kovalem MLA. Now let's hear what Vidi Satishan had to say in an exclusive conversation with NTV.
>> Congratulations. Congratulations to you.
What do you have to say about this emphatic decision?
>> I express my gratitude towards the ACC leaders and G and other leaders and I dedicate my decision to the people of Kerala. We have offered many things. We will work for them. We will build a team and work for Kerala. Future Kerala. We will make changes. Create a new era.
>> So many MLAs have come together. They have a difference of opinion. Now you have to have a challenge to bring everybody together.
>> Democratic democracy is the discourse.
>> Discourse that is happening.
>> Congress party is a democratic party.
That process has completed. Huh?
>> They have discussed with all the MLS, MPs, senior leaders and they have taken a decision.
>> Yes. So big a big win for the Congress party. There are also a lot of you know community leaders also that you need to now meet and bring them on board also.
Big isn't it? And >> even we will cooperate with all of them.
>> I don't have any complaint >> with anybody >> those who criticize me. It is their right.
>> Yes.
>> It is their right. Now not only the chief minister the opposition leader can be criticized.
>> Yes they have every right.
>> What do you think is the biggest >> system is coming?
>> What do you think is the biggest I won't be intolerant. I won't be intolerant. I will hear what they are saying.
>> Yes.
>> If I have to correct I will correct.
>> What is the biggest reason?
>> They are all senior fellows.
>> Yes. What the senior to me?
>> What is the biggest reason for your this victory or what is the what do you think is the biggest reason? That is team UDF.
>> Team UDF >> work together as a single party.
>> All right. Thank you so much. Thank you so much.
>> Wholeheartedly I am welcoming that decision. I am congratulating Vidi Sadish for this position. I think that people of Kerala has given a big verdict for the UDF.
The government under the leadership of Vid Sadish can fulfill the aspirations and promises of the people of Kerala.
Certainly we are totally behind the with the government of Kenya. So decision has been announced sir. WHAT'S YOUR REACTION SIR?
>> It's a very good decision. We welcome the decision.
So what next?
Vi Satishan's house in Tendrram and here now supporters have gathered and they are sloganering and THEY ARE THANKING CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR THE DECISION AND WE can see cutouts in their hand. We'll try to talk how happy all of you are after we are so so happy because we ARE WAITING FOR ONLY THIS DECISION. This is the RIGHT DECISION. THIS THIS ONLY THE RIGHT DECISION >> waiting for 10 years for this 10 years rule change. Okay. Because we have been so much like waiting for a regime change and people are people have been so so much anxious for >> why do you think BECAUSE IT TOOK SO MUCH TIME so much so much time for >> V had to rearrange with UDF supporter >> we have to pressurize Congress >> and no actually it's the people's mandate he gave us this victory that's all. So now what are expectations from the uh coming chief minister?
>> 100% of the positives.
>> This may be the best best CM of the Canada.
>> Best CM will be the best. Yeah.
>> What are the expectations?
>> Best best CM.
>> Best CM.
>> Well, the BJP has upped it ante against the 13th chief minister of Kerala by stating that he is an agent of the Indian Union Muslim League. Now this is the uh uh this is the narrative that BJP has been stating for quite some time. In fact whenever Vi Satishan's name wasn't there it was the BJP which kept saying that he has been backed and supported by the BJP by by the IUML I'm sorry and therefore his him being chief minister will be the final decision and that it will be clear that the high command of the Congress will bow down to the will of the Indian Union Muslim League. Let's hear some of the big reactions that the BJP leaders are stating about this to back this claim.
>> It is clearly evident that the new Congress Chief Minister Pig from Kerala was not the choice of the Congress MLAs but was the choice of the Indian Union Muslim League. Yet again the Gandhi Wadra family has proven that they listen to the dictat of the Indian Union Muslim League. The remote control of the Congress party and the Gandhi Wadra family is under the Indian Union Muslim League. This is why the Congress party today is nothing short of the modern-day Muslim League. The Congress is the Muslim League Maadi Congress. Oh no.
First of all, we congratulate Muslim League for appoint by the Congress party because this has got the stamp of entire Muslim League. I am privy to Congress details and Congress functioning. I was told that the reason why Casey Vinu Gopal and Ramsh Chanitala's number got cut is because they are preferred by church but Congress wanted to go out all out to appease PFI Muslim League for Vard calculation and therefore madame Priyanka Vadra said that if you don't make Satishan that means the Jamaat and Muslim League candidate I will lose my election from Vard. So therefore under the pressure of Priyanka and Jamaat the Satishan nomination has been taken ahead. It's a very apt decision by the high command although they took 11 days but then they took the views of everyone including the alli allied parties coalition parties and they actually came to a correct decision according to us because sadishan being the leader of opposition he was the one who led the elections he was the one who fought the CPM government and he was the leader in all sense so and the people's reaction the public opinion all was completely in favor of sadish and we had made her mind uh very clear to the high command also the the observers who came over uh interant so the people were in fact wanting uh Mr. as the chief minister. It's a right decision, good decision by the I command.
>> Well, before the election mood was set, it was the NDTV power play conclave that set the precedence on the the big leaders that is going to be in the free.
And one of the most important conversation of that time was with our editor-in chief Rahul Kaval with Widi Satish who is now the chief minister.
Let's hear this very interesting conversation that happened at the Grand Height Hotel in Thranapuram during the NDTV power play conclave.
>> Congratulations. Fantastic victory. Very well done. Explain to us how you made it happen. Mr. Satishan, you're live on NDTV. Whatever you say is live. So tell us how did you make this happen? Sir, >> I am I'm happy to um say that we have predicted that we may get more than 100 seats. Now we got more than 100 seats.
>> Right.
A question for you.
>> Now we are closing 100 seats. Now we are closing 100 seats. Now it is 103. Okay, >> that that was our prediction >> sir. How are you? How are you? Now you know you remember you promised me that you will come to Kabini and do an interview with me. You like going to the forest. You said you'll come to Kabini.
>> Are you going to Delhi now or are you going to Kabini? Are you going to Delhi now or are you going to Kabini?
[laughter] >> Definitely I want to visit Kabi again.
The fact is your party had a very big role
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