V D Satheesan was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Keralam on Monday, May 18, 2026 [1], [4].
This transition marks the return of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a hiatus of 10 years [3], [5]. The shift in leadership signals a change in administrative direction for the state following a decade of opposition.
Satheesan took the oath of office during a ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram [2]. He was sworn in alongside 20 cabinet ministers [1]. Following the ceremony, the new administration moved to establish its operational presence at the State Secretariat [2].
Later that day, Satheesan chaired his first cabinet meeting to begin formal administrative work [2], [4]. The meeting served as the inaugural session for the newly formed government, focusing on the immediate transition of power and the commencement of state governance [2].
The appointment of Satheesan as the 13th person to hold the office of Chief Minister concludes the transition period [1]. The UDF government now assumes full control of the state's executive functions in Thiruvananthapuram [2].
“V D Satheesan was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Keralam”
The return of the UDF after a decade suggests a significant political pivot for Kerala. By convening the first cabinet meeting immediately following the swearing-in ceremony, the Satheesan administration is signaling an intent for rapid governance and a swift departure from the policies of the previous ten years.
