Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar congratulated Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan during his oath-taking ceremony on May 18, 2026 [1].

The event marks a significant political shift in the state. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance ended a decade of Left rule in Kerala, signaling a change in governance and policy direction for the region [3, 4].

Shivakumar arrived at Thiruvananthapuram Airport to join other prominent political figures for the festivities [2]. The formal swearing-in ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram [2, 4].

The proceedings began at 10 a.m. [1]. During the ceremony, Satheesan was sworn in as the head of a new cabinet consisting of 21 members [4].

Shivakumar, serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka [2], was among the high-profile attendees who congratulated the new chief minister. The gathering included several Congress leaders who traveled to the capital to support the UDF victory.

This transition follows a period of prolonged leadership by the Left Democratic Front. The arrival of the UDF government brings a new administrative team to the Raj Bhavan, with the 21-member cabinet tasked with implementing the alliance's platform [4].

“The Congress-led alliance ended a decade of Left rule in Kerala”

The transition of power to VD Satheesan and the UDF represents a major realignment in South Indian politics. By ending ten years of Leftist governance, the new administration has a mandate to pivot Kerala's policy framework, while the presence of senior leaders like DK Shivakumar underscores the importance of regional coordination within the Congress-led alliance.