V. D. Satheesan took the oath of office as the new chief minister of Kerala on Monday morning at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram [1], [2].
The ceremony marks the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after 10 years in opposition [1], [3]. This political shift ends a decade of governance by opposing factions and reinstates the UDF's leadership over the state's administration.
Satheesan was sworn in during a ceremony attended by senior political figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra [1], [2]. The event also drew the chief ministers of Karnataka and Telangana, signaling a coordinated regional presence for the party [1], [2].
Following the chief minister's oath, the government inducted a full cabinet consisting of 21 members [1]. The appointment of this cabinet completes the executive structure required to begin implementing the UDF's legislative agenda for the state [1].
The venue at the Central Stadium hosted the proceedings on May 18, 2026 [2], [4]. The transition occurs as the UDF seeks to establish its policy priorities after its long period away from the state's executive power [1], [3].
Officials and supporters gathered in Thiruvananthapuram to witness the formal transfer of power. The induction of the 21-member cabinet is intended to provide a comprehensive administrative team to manage Kerala's governance challenges [1].
“V. D. Satheesan took the oath of office as the new chief minister of Kerala”
The return of the UDF after a decade in opposition represents a significant realignment of power in Kerala. By swearing in a full 21-member cabinet immediately, the new administration is signaling a readiness to move quickly from the campaign phase to active governance, supported by a visible show of unity from national Congress leadership and neighboring state chiefs.
