VD Satheesan took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram [1].
The transition marks a significant political shift in the state, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) returns to power after 10 years [2]. This victory ends a decade of opposition for the coalition and signals a mandate for a change in governance.
Satheesan greeted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge following the ceremony [1]. The event took place after the UDF coalition secured a landslide victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, winning 102 of the 140 available seats [2].
As part of the new administration, Satheesan announced a cabinet consisting of 20 ministers [1]. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by high-ranking members of the Congress party, including Kharge, to mark the start of the new term.
The UDF's dominance in the assembly provides the new government with a substantial majority to implement its legislative agenda. Party leadership said the victory is an unprecedented win for the coalition in the region [1].
The ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram concluded with the formal induction of the 20-member cabinet, establishing the executive leadership for the state's next term [1].
“VD Satheesan took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Kerala”
The UDF's capture of 102 seats creates a commanding majority in the 140-seat assembly, reducing the likelihood of legislative deadlock. Returning to power after a decade suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment and provides the Congress-led coalition with a strong platform to reshape Kerala's policy direction.
