Kerala CM VD Satheesan visits Congress High Command in Delhi; slated to meet PM Modi on Tuesday

NEW DELHI: Marking his first official visit to the national capital since assuming office following a decisive public mandate, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan met with the Congress top brass to express his gratitude and seek their guidance for his tenure.

Arriving at Kerala House late Friday midnight, the Chief Minister began a series of high-level courtesy calls on Saturday morning. His first meeting was with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal at his residence, followed by a visit to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at 10 Rajaji Marg. Sources indicate that brief discussions regarding organisational restructuring within the state party unit took place during these meetings.

Key Meetings in the Capital:

• K.C. Venugopal (AICC General Secretary) – Saturday morning
• Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress President) – Discussion on party restructuring
• The Gandhi Family (10 Janpath) – Met Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi

Satheesan then proceeded to 10 Janpath to meet Sonia Gandhi. The meeting was also attended by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The Chief Minister extended his appreciation to the leadership for their steadfast support and encouragement during the election campaign.

The Chief Minister flew back to Kerala on Saturday afternoon but is scheduled to return to the capital on Monday night ahead of an official meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Noticeable change of guard at Cochin House

The political transition in Kerala was visibly reflected at Cochin House, located within the Kerala House complex, which wore a festive look. Throngs of Congress, Youth Congress, and NSUI workers, alongside members of the Delhi Malayali diaspora, gathered to accord a warm reception to the newly appointed Chief Minister.

In a departure from strict protocols, public access remained largely unrestricted, allowing hundreds of well-wishers to congratulate Satheesan personally. Interaction with the media was notably casual; the Chief Minister exchanged pleasantries with journalists and expressed concern over camera crews working in the intense Delhi heat, promising to look into better logistical arrangements for the press corps in the future.

While Satheesan remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his high-command briefings, he stated that he would address a formal press conference in Delhi following his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Modi.