V.D. Satheesan took the oath of office as the chief minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026 [3].
The transition marks a significant political shift in the state, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition ends 10 years of rule by the Left Democratic Front [2, 4].
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 10 a.m. [3] at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram [4, 5]. Satheesan leads a new administration featuring a 20-member cabinet [1, 4]. Among those sworn in was senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala [1].
The UDF secured the majority required to form the government, displacing the previous administration after a decade in power [2, 4]. The ceremony was attended by high-profile leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi [1].
This change in leadership follows a decisive electoral outcome that saw the UDF regain control of the state government. The appointment of the 20 ministers [1] establishes the executive structure that will govern Kerala's legislative agenda moving forward.
“V.D. Satheesan took the oath of office as the chief minister of Kerala”
The return of the UDF after a 10-year hiatus signals a major realignment in Kerala's political landscape. By replacing the Left Democratic Front, the new administration under V.D. Satheesan will likely shift the state's policy priorities and governance style, ending a decade of ideological continuity from the previous regime.
