Testing time for tenacious Satheesan

Mr. V.D. Satheesan who entered the chief ministerial office in Kerala on Monday, carries the onerous task of pulling the state out of massive debt while fulfilling fresh welfare promises. Having won a tough battle against formidable rivals within the party, he will be expected to come up with a viable model of economic development for a state that has long been spurned by private sector investors for its admiration and sympathies for the Left. His crucial test will lie in creating employment for a highly educated youth force which no longer looks for jobs in the war-torn Gulf nations.

The major question that haunts the state as to how he counters the anti-industry perceptions among investors who have been wary of the red flags coming up before the chimneys begin to spew smoke. Known for his tenacity that enabled him to stay in contention for a nearly a fortnight against rivals who appeared to have the ears of the High command, Satheesan’s prowess to keep equilibrium among his allies--the Indian Union Muslim League and the Kerala Congress whose chumminess he can lose only at his own peril, is well known.

One who has never been known to lose his composure, and averse to rhetoric, his tenure as the LoP has shown how data-driven have been his attacks against the Leftist opponents. As one who led the United Democratic Front (UDF) to a resounding win even betting on nothing less than 100 seats, Satheesan has been known as one averse to compromising on scruples. As evident from his record, he sacrificed ministerial positions earlier but refused to solicit pressure from the Nair Service Society for the favour. Such puritanical traits will be put to severe test as he proceeds into the tenure beyond the goodwill period of 100 days.