Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan’s mention of caste surname while taking oath invites criticism from Congress leader

Key points

• Kerala Chief Minister V.D.
• Satheesan’s mention of his caste surname while taking oath of office on Monday (May 18, 2026) has invited criticism, including from within his own party with Congress leader Jinto John saying that it is better for the Congress to shed caste names to be more inclusive.
• An old video of Mr.
• Satheesan swearing-in as an MLA with no mention of the caste name has also begun circulating on social media platforms.
• The Chief Minister had begun his oath with the line ‘I, Vadassery Damodara Menon Satheesan...’, while an old video of him taking oath as an MLA in the Assembly showed him beginning the oath with the line ‘I, V.D.