India, May 14 -- The Congress on Thursday appointed V. D. Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, ending nearly 10 days of speculation over who would succeed Pinarayi Vijayan.

AICC general secretary and Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunsi announced Satheesan's name on Thursday.

Satheesan had served as the Leader of the Opposition in the previous Kerala Assembly.

Congress ends decade-long Left rule

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power in Kerala after defeating the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), ending 10 years of Communist rule in the state.

The Congress also emerged as the single-largest party with 63 seats.

Political journey of Satheesan

Satheesan began his political career through the Kera...