V. D. Satheesan is set to take oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade. The formation of the new ministry signifies a major political transition in the state following the end of Left Democratic Front rule.
Major Highlights
- V.D. Satheesan will be sworn in as the Chief Minister at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister and the 20-member Council of Ministers.
- The United Democratic Front secured a major victory in the 140-member Kerala Assembly elections by winning 102 seats.
- The Indian National Congress emerged as the largest party within the alliance with 63 seats and received 11 ministerial positions in the new cabinet.
- Coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League has been allotted five ministerial berths, including one for senior leader P. K. Kunhalikutty.
- Other alliance partners represented in the ministry include Kerala Congress (Joseph), Revolutionary Socialist Party, Kerala Congress (Jacob), and Communist Marxist Party.
- The new cabinet includes two women ministers and two representatives from Scheduled Caste communities to ensure broader social and regional representation.
- Senior legislator Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been chosen as the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, while Shanimol Usman will serve as Deputy Speaker.
- The swearing-in ceremony is historically significant because it marks the first occasion in nearly sixty years that the entire Kerala cabinet is being sworn in simultaneously on the same day.
- The government formation process was completed within 24 hours after the leadership decision, reflecting strong coordination and unity within the UDF alliance.
Important Terms
- Article 164: A provision of the Constitution of India that empowers the Governor to appoint the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of a state.
- United Democratic Front (UDF): A political alliance in Kerala led by the Indian National Congress.
- Speaker of the Assembly: The presiding officer of a state legislative assembly responsible for conducting proceedings and maintaining order in the House.
