A day after being chosen by the Indian National Congress leadership as Kerala’s chief minister-designate, V. D. Satheesan reportedly stressed the need for austerity, saying the state’s financial condition did not permit extravagance.
He stated that he would continue using the existing official vehicle of the chief minister instead of purchasing a new one and that his convoy would consist of only a minimal number of vehicles.
Satheesan reportedly said that those in positions of authority should set an example by avoiding unnecessary display and expenditure. He remarked that if he travelled with excessive pomp and a large convoy, people would ridicule him. According to him, he had already instructed the police not to inconvenience the public during his travel and said he personally did not require a large security convoy, Indian Express reported.
While clarifying that he was not criticising previous leaders who used larger convoys and acknowledging they may have had their own reasons, Satheesan maintained that Kerala lacked the financial resources to support such extravagance. He also argued that displays of pomp by those in top positions often encourage others to imitate the same behaviour.
Earlier on Friday, Satheesan met former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several senior Congress leaders. He also visited the family of late Congress leader G. Karthikeyan, where he reportedly became emotional.
The chief minister-designate additionally met senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who had also been considered for the top post. Satheesan reportedly described Chennithala as both a leader and an elder brother and expressed confidence that he would receive his support after assuming office. On the possibility of Chennithala joining the Cabinet, Satheesan said the party would take a decision after discussions with him.
Chennithala, meanwhile, reportedly said he was pleased with Satheesan’s appointment as chief minister and added that it was for the party leadership to decide whether he should be included in the Cabinet. He also clarified that he had not placed any conditions before the party.
Satheesan and his Cabinet are scheduled to take oath on Monday after the United Democratic Front secured a landslide victory over the incumbent Left Democratic Front in the Assembly elections.
UDF convener Adoor Prakash reportedly said that wider discussions would be held within the alliance to finalise the size and composition of the Cabinet. According to him, clarity on the allocation of ministerial berths among alliance partners was expected to emerge on Saturday. In 2021, Kerala had a council of ministers consisting of the chief minister and 20 ministers.