Ramesh Chennithala, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, took the oath as a cabinet minister in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday [1].
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant political shift in Kerala, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) replaces the previous administration. This transition ends a 10-year period of rule by the Left Democratic Front [2].
The new government was formed after the UDF alliance secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. The alliance won 102 of the 140 available seats [3]. This mandate allowed V.D. Satheesan to take the oath as the chief minister of the state [1].
Chennithala was among 20 cabinet ministers sworn into the new administration [4]. The ceremony took place in the state capital, where the incoming leadership outlined the transition from the previous decade of Left-led governance [1].
The UDF victory represents a consolidation of power for the Congress-led alliance in the region. By securing over 70% of the assembly seats, the new government holds a strong legislative majority to implement its policy agenda [3].
“Ramesh Chennithala took the oath as a cabinet minister in Thiruvananthapuram”
The installation of the UDF government signifies a major electoral realignment in Kerala, breaking a decade of political continuity under the Left Democratic Front. With a substantial majority of 102 seats, the Satheesan administration possesses the legislative strength to pursue significant policy changes without the fragility often associated with coalition governments.
