V.D. Satheesan took the oath of office as Kerala's chief minister on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram [1], [2].
The transition marks a significant political shift in the state, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) returns to power after 10 years of rule by the Left Democratic Front.
During the ceremony, Ramesh Chennithala was sworn in as the state's Home Minister [3], [4]. The new cabinet consists of 20 ministers [5], with the Congress party securing 11 of those ministerial berths [6]. The UDF secured a decisive majority in the state assembly, winning 102 of the 140 available seats [5].
"I pledge to serve the people of Kerala with dedication and transparency," Satheesan said [7].
Chennithala, assuming the home portfolio, emphasized the priority of internal stability. "I am honoured to serve as Home Minister and will work tirelessly for the safety and security of Kerala," Chennithala said [8].
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge attended the proceedings and outlined the administration's goals for the coming term. "The UDF government will focus on development, good governance, and the welfare of every citizen of Kerala," Kharge said [9].
The event was attended by senior leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as the new administration begins its mandate to overhaul state governance following the assembly election results [10].
“The UDF government returns to power after 10 years of rule by the Left Democratic Front.”
The UDF's victory with 102 seats provides a strong legislative mandate, reducing the likelihood of coalition instability. By appointing Ramesh Chennithala to the Home Ministry, the Satheesan administration signals a focus on law and order as a primary pillar of its early governance strategy to distinguish itself from the previous decade of LDF rule.
