Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – VD Satheesan officially assumed office as the Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, leading a 21-member United Democratic Front (UDF) government. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marked a significant political shift as the UDF returns to power after a decade.
In a historic first for nearly sixty years, the entire Council of Ministers was sworn in simultaneously with Chief Minister Satheesan. The event drew thousands of UDF supporters, alongside senior Congress leaders, alliance partners, and national political figures, eager to witness the change in government following the UDF's decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
A Balanced Cabinet for Kerala
The newly formed ministry demonstrates a strategic balance of experienced politicians and fresh faces drawn from various UDF constituents. Key portfolios have been allocated to the Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), reflecting their prominent roles within the coalition.
Among the seasoned leaders joining the cabinet are senior Congress figures and former ministers Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan, and A P Anil Kumar, along with current KPCC chief Sunny Joseph. Notably, Chennithala had been a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post before the Congress high command finalized Satheesan's nomination.
First-Time Ministers and Diverse Representation
The 21-member cabinet includes 14 first-time ministers, with VD Satheesan himself entering government for the first time despite representing the Paravur constituency in the Assembly since 2001. The ministry also ensures diverse representation, featuring two women ministers and two representatives from the Scheduled Caste community.
Other prominent new entrants include:
- C P John
- IUML leaders N Shamsuddin, K M Shaji, P K Basheer, and V E Abdul Gafoor
- Congress leaders P C Vishnunadh, Roji M John, Bindu Krishna, T Siddique, K A Thulasi, and O J Janeesh
Senior leaders from other alliance partners, such as IUML's P K Kunhalikutty, RSP's Shibu Baby John, Kerala Congress leader Mons Joseph, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) chairman Anoop Jacob, have also secured ministerial positions.
The formation of the cabinet followed several days of intense consultations within the Congress leadership and among alliance partners, aimed at achieving a careful balance of regional, community, and party representation. The UDF's return to power signals the end of two consecutive terms for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, previously led by Pinarayi Vijayan, marking a pivotal moment in Kerala's political landscape.