V.D. Satheesan and 21 ministers of the UDF coalition will be sworn in as Kerala's new cabinet on Monday [1], [2].
The ceremony marks a significant political shift as the United Democratic Front returns to power after 10 years in opposition [1], [3].
The swearing-in is scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 18, 2026 [2], [3]. The event will see the CM-designate and his selected ministers officially take their oaths to govern the state [1].
Satheesan said the list balanced social and regional representation, with portfolio talks almost complete [3]. While some reports initially suggested a 20-member cabinet [1], current details confirm 21 ministers will take the oath [2].
"The full UDF ministry would take oath at 10 am on Monday," Satheesan said [3].
The transition follows a decade of opposition for the UDF. The coalition must now establish a full cabinet to manage state affairs, and implement its governing agenda [1], [3].
This return to power concludes a long period of political exclusion for the coalition. The focus of the new administration will likely center on the portfolios currently being finalized by Satheesan and his team [3].
“The full UDF ministry would take oath at 10 am on Monday.”
The return of the UDF after 10 years signals a major shift in Kerala's political landscape. By prioritizing social and regional representation in the cabinet, Satheesan is attempting to build a broad-based coalition capable of governing after a decade away from the state's executive power.
