Thiruvananthapuram, May 14 (IANS) After a politically turbulent week in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar now appears headed for a far smoother constitutional exercise as Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan formally staked claim to form the next government in Kerala on Thursday evening.

Soon after the Congress Legislature Party unanimously elected Satheesan as its leader and the UDF allies extended their support, the Chief Minister-designate called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan and handed over letters of support from the Congress-led alliance, which swept the Assembly elections with a commanding tally of 102 seats in the 140-member House.

The Governor subsequently invited Satheesan to form the next government, effectively clearing the final constitutional hurdle before the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday.

Efforts are now underway to ensure that the entire 21-member ministry, including the Chief Minister, takes oath together on Monday itself.

Sources said the Congress leadership is attempting to finalise the complete Cabinet list before the weekend so that the transition to power appears seamless and decisive.

The Assembly is expected to convene on May 21, when all newly elected legislators will also take oath.

The political atmosphere surrounding Lok Bhavan in Kerala stands in striking contrast to the tense developments Arlekar encountered only days ago while serving as Acting Governor of Tamil Nadu.

During that period, uncertainty over numbers had reportedly forced repeated consultations before Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay could finally demonstrate legislative backing to form the government.

In Kerala, however, there has been little room for suspense once the Congress high command finalised Satheesan’s name.

At the Congress Legislature Party meeting held earlier in the day, KPCC president Sunny Joseph formally proposed Satheesan’s name, which was seconded by Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.

Senior Congress leaders, including Mukul Wasnik and Deepa Dasmunsi, addressed the gathering and praised the collective leadership of Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala in steering the UDF to victory.

For Lok Bhavan too, after days of political uncertainty and constitutional tightrope walking in Chennai, Kerala’s transition of power now appears refreshingly uncomplicated.

–IANS

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