India, May 14 -- Keralam chief minister-designate VD Satheesan on Thursday credited senior Congress leader KC Venugopal - who was a frontrunner in the CM race - for playing a crucial role in his elevation to the top post.

Shortly after being named by Congress leadership as the chief minister pick, Satheesan said in a press conference that Venugopal coordinated all activities of the AICC and extended "immense" support throughout the process. Track live updates on Kerala govt formation here

Addressing reporters after his selection, Satheesan said he viewed the responsibility not as a personal achievement but as "something divine". He also acknowledged senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as his leader and stressed that only collectiv...