India, May 14 -- In a major political development, the Congress on Thursday named V D Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, more than a week after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) stormed back to power in the state, ending ten years of Left rule under Pinarayi Vijayan.

The announcement follows days of intense consultations within the Congress high command and brings to an end prolonged speculation over the party's choice for the top post. The decision was finalised after discussions involving Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress-led UDF secured a sweeping mandate in the May 4 Assembly elections, winning 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, with ...