V. D. Satheesan took the oath of office as the chief minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram [5].
The transition marks a significant political shift in the state, ending 10 years of governance by the Left Democratic Front [2].
Satheesan, a leader of the Indian National Congress and member of the United Democratic Front (UDF), becomes the 13th chief minister of the state [4]. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent national Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge [1].
The formation of the new government follows a decisive victory for the UDF coalition, which won 102 of the 140 seats in the state assembly [1]. This majority allows the alliance to replace the previous administration and implement a new legislative agenda.
Alongside the chief minister, 20 cabinet ministers were sworn into office [3]. The ceremony establishes the leadership structure for the incoming administration as it prepares to take over the state's executive functions.
The UDF victory represents a break from the previous decade of political control in Kerala. By securing a substantial majority of the 140 available seats [1], the Congress-led alliance has positioned itself to lead the state's governance through the next term.
“V. D. Satheesan becomes the 13th chief minister of the state”
The shift from the Left Democratic Front to a UDF government under V. D. Satheesan signals a major realignment of power in Kerala. By securing a clear majority of 102 seats, the UDF has a strong mandate to pivot away from the policies of the last decade, while the presence of top national Congress leadership underscores the state's importance to the party's broader national strategy.
