VD Satheesan took the oath of office as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram [1].
The transition marks a significant political shift in the state, ending a decade of rule by the Left Democratic Front [2].
Satheesan, a senior leader of the Congress party, led the United Democratic Front (UDF) to a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. The UDF secured 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly [3].
During the ceremony on May 18, 2026, Satheesan was joined by 20 ministers who were sworn in to form the new UDF cabinet [4]. The event drew significant attention as it formalized the change in administration following the electoral mandate.
The new government assumes power after a period of stability under the previous Left-led coalition. The scale of the UDF victory, winning more than 70% of the available seats [3], provides the new administration with a strong legislative mandate to implement its policy agenda.
The swearing-in at the Central Stadium served as the official commencement of the new term. The appointment of the 20 cabinet ministers is intended to distribute portfolios across the coalition's priorities as they begin their tenure in Thiruvananthapuram [4].
“VD Satheesan took the oath of office as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala”
The installation of a UDF government with a substantial majority of 102 seats suggests a strong public mandate for a change in governance. By ending 10 years of Left Democratic Front rule, the state enters a new political cycle that may see a shift in social and economic priorities under the leadership of the Congress party.
