On May 18, 2026, twenty ministers were sworn in as part of the new Keralam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister VD Satheesan. This ceremony represents a noteworthy change in the political landscape of the state, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returning to power for the first time in a decade. The swearing-in took place at Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium, an event that highlights a significant political shift following the Assembly elections.

The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The ceremony concluded with the performance of the patriotic song Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, underscoring the solemnity of the occasion and the new government’s commitment to serving the public.

Key Figures in the New Cabinet Include Prominent Leaders

Among the first to take the oath was PK Kunhalikutty, a leader in the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), following Chief Minister Satheesan. Several prominent figures from the Congress party were also sworn in, including Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, and K Muraleedharan. Notably, senior leaders from coalition partners, such as Mons Joseph from the Kerala Congress and Shibu Baby John of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), were included in the list of ministers, solidifying the UDF coalition.

The Cabinet consists of various representatives encompassing different regions and communities in Keralam. Additional Congress members who took their oaths include Anoop Jacob, CP John, and AP Anil Kumar, along with IUML leaders N Samsudheen, KM Shaji, PK Basheer, and VE Abdul Gafoor. The Cabinet also features T Siddique, KA Thulasi, and OJ Janeesh, further diversifying the representation within the government.

This new administration marks a historic turnaround for the UDF, having secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Keralam Assembly elections, where they won 102 out of 140 seats, confirming their dominance in the state’s political sphere.

Attendance Highlights the Event’s Importance

The swearing-in ceremony saw attendance from numerous notable political figures, emphasising the significance of the event. Among the attendees were Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alongside Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal. Their presence highlighted the unity and support for the newly formed government.

Moreover, Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from other Congress-ruled states were also present, adding to the gravity of the occasion. This included Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. This gathering of leaders illustrates a collaborative spirit among Congressional states.

The UDF’s recent electoral success can be attributed to the coalition’s ability to rally a coalition of various parties, allowing them to secure significant victories. In the 2026 elections, Congress emerged as the single-largest party, winning 63 seats, while its ally, the IUML, won 22 seats. In contrast, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) saw its representation drop to 35 seats, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) captured three constituencies. This reshaping of the political scene in Keralam sets the stage for potential changes in governance and policy direction.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share