Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, a senior Congress leader, took the oath of office as a minister in the new Kerala cabinet on Monday, May 13, 2024 [2].
The appointment marks a significant shift in state governance as the United Democratic Front (UDF) returns to power after a decade [1]. This transition ends 10 years of opposition for the coalition and reinstates its leadership within the state administration [1].
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the state secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram [3]. During the event, V.D. Satheesan took the oath as the new chief minister and led the full council of ministers into office [3].
Radhakrishnan expressed satisfaction with the appointment during a video interview. He said the event was a historic moment for Congress workers who had waited a long time for such a transition [4].
"I am very happy and satisfied to have taken oath as a minister; this is a historic moment for Congress workers who have waited long," Radhakrishnan said [4].
The formation of the new cabinet follows the state election results that allowed the UDF to reclaim the government [5]. The process involved the formal assignment of portfolios to the council of ministers to begin the new administration's term [3].
“"I am very happy and satisfied to have taken oath as a minister"”
The return of the UDF-led government after 10 years suggests a significant political realignment in Kerala. By installing senior leaders like Radhakrishnan, the new administration is attempting to reward long-term party loyalty and stabilize its governance structure after a prolonged period in the opposition.
