Hon. Rahul ji,
With most exit polls now indicating a likely victory for the UDF, I write to respectfully urge you to declare Shri V.D. Satheesan, the current Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, as the Chief Ministerial candidate at the earliest.
A delay in naming the leader risks triggering avoidable internal contestation among factions, which could dilute the momentum and morale generated by what has been a hard-fought campaign. Over the past several months, opinion trends, both within Kerala and among the diaspora, have consistently reflected strong public support for Mr. Satheesan’s leadership. Overlooking such sentiment at this critical juncture may undermine the goodwill painstakingly built among party workers and the wider electorate.
Mr. Satheesan is widely regarded as a principled and inclusive leader who maintains a careful balance, engaging constructively with all communities while remaining equidistant from sectarian interests. This positions him uniquely to lead a broad-based, secular government without the perception of favoritism toward any one group. At a time when sections of the majority community express concern about disproportionate influence within coalition politics, his leadership offers the credibility needed to reassure all sections and prevent political polarization that could otherwise benefit the BJP.
Equally important is the message his appointment would send to the party cadre. Mr. Satheesan has earned recognition through sustained hard work, integrity, and a firm commitment to democratic and secular values. If such leadership is not acknowledged at the moment of victory, it risks disillusioning grassroots workers who have invested deeply in this campaign.
Recent political experiences, including in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, underscore the importance of recognizing and empowering a new generation of leadership. Mr. Satheesan represents precisely that shift bringing with him the confidence of younger voters, fresh ideas, and the energy required to guide Kerala forward.
Public trust will be central to the success of the next government. Concerns about governance, integrity, and transparency remain foremost in the minds of voters. Mr. Satheesan’s reputation for personal probity and his willingness to confront wrongdoing make him well suited to restore confidence in clean administration and accountable governance.
Furthermore, at the national level, the Congress party requires leaders who can articulate and defend its core values with clarity and conviction. Mr. Satheesan’s grounding in the Nehruvian vision, combined with his ability to communicate effectively and stand firm in engaging with the Union government, will strengthen both the state and the party’s broader ideological positioning.
Sir, any decision other than appointing V.D. Satheesan to lead the next Kerala government risks reducing this mandate to a short-lived opportunity. It may also unsettle the delicate social harmony of the state and inadvertently create space for divisive forces to grow, to the advantage of the BJP.
I humbly request your thoughtful consideration of these points in making this crucial decision.
Respectfully, George Abraham, Former Chief Technology Officer, United Nations 4/30/2026
