Crowds raise slogans, burst crackers and share sweets in North Paravur

Kochi: North Paravur erupted with joy as their MLA of over 25 years, V D Satheesan, became the CM-elect on Thursday. Jubilant crowds raised slogans, burst crackers and shared sweets as TV channels started flashing Satheesan's name as the Congress high command's pick by noon. Some even purchased packets of milk and poured it on top of Satheesan's flex boards to express their admiration.Workers, even from far-off places, had gathered outside Satheesan's MLA office in North Paravur in anticipation. The crowd continued its celebrations in other parts of the town as the response of party leaders, including their MLA, became public.Workers at Vedimara in North Paravur placed flex boards welcoming the new chief minister on his home turf. Saji Nambiyath, a Congress leader in North Paravur municipality, said that the love for Satheesan in Paravur had increased over the years."For us Paravur natives, it is a day of overwhelming joy as we have a chief minister whom we call by his name. I hope that the chief ministerial position would bring even more development to Paravur through Satheesan," said Nambiyath.He said that despite working tirelessly for the party for decades, Satheesan was a person who missed out on various positions. "He is yet to gain the position he deserves. He is continuing as a fighter," he said.Nambiyath said that over the past five years, Satheesan held the front together under the banner of Team UDF. "It was a wonder to see him predict the result of all key elections. Now, just like he said, UDF crossed 100 seats," he said, in a subtle reminder of Satheesan's pledge to quit politics if UDF failed to win 100 seats in the assembly elections.The situation outside Satheesan's home in Desom near Aluva was not that different as hundreds had gathered outside his home expecting a positive decision from the party high command. As soon as the decision was announced, supporters lit up crackers and started distributing sweets.Right after the high command's official announcement, a grand victory celebration was organized in the city under the leadership of Ernakulam DCC. The celebratory procession began at 4pm in front of the DCC office and passed through major locations across the city. Congress workers and leaders participated in the procession with great enthusiasm and joy. Special celebratory events were also held at the DCC office.