Congress leader V.D. Satheesan took the oath of office as Kerala's chief minister on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram [3].
The transition marks a significant political shift in the state, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) ends a decade of rule by the Left Democratic Front.
Satheesan was sworn in alongside 20 cabinet ministers [1]. The ceremony followed a decisive mandate in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, where the UDF secured 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly [2].
The swearing-in ceremony took place on May 18, 2026 [3]. The victory grants the new government a substantial majority to implement its legislative agenda, a sharp contrast to the narrower margins often seen in previous Kerala elections.
This administrative change follows years of political tension between the UDF and the previous Left-led government. By securing more than 100 seats, the Congress-led alliance has established a firm grip on the state's executive power [2].
Officials in Thiruvananthapuram coordinated the event to ensure a smooth transfer of power. The 20-member cabinet is expected to prioritize the mandates promised during the electoral campaign [1].
The UDF's success is viewed as a rejection of the previous decade's policies. The new administration now faces the challenge of governing a state with complex socio-economic demands, while maintaining the momentum of its electoral victory.
“V.D. Satheesan took the oath of office as Kerala's chief minister”
The UDF's decisive victory and the subsequent formation of a 20-member cabinet signify a mandate for a fundamental shift in Kerala's governance. By securing 102 seats, the Congress-led alliance has moved beyond a simple majority, potentially reducing the need for fragile coalition compromises and allowing for more aggressive policy changes compared to the previous decade of Left-wing administration.
