KeralaPolitics – UDF Returns to Power as Satheesan Prepares for Oath Ceremony
KeralaPolitics – After securing a commanding victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the United Democratic Front is preparing to assume office with V D Satheesan set to be sworn in as Chief Minister on Monday morning in Thiruvananthapuram.
The oath-taking ceremony will take place at the Central Stadium at 10 am, where Satheesan and his 20-member Council of Ministers will officially begin their tenure. The event marks the return of the UDF government after a gap of ten years, ending the Left Democratic Front’s prolonged rule in the state.
Senior Leaders Included in New Cabinet
The Cabinet announced by Satheesan features a mix of experienced Congress leaders and representatives from alliance partners. Prominent Congress figures such as Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph are among those taking oath as ministers.
The Indian Union Muslim League, a key UDF ally, has secured five ministerial positions. Senior IUML leaders PK Kunhalikutty, PK Basheer, N Samsudheen, KM Shaji and VE Abdul Gafoor are part of the ministry. Other members of the Cabinet include Mons Joseph, Shibu Baby John, Anoop Jacob, CP John, AP Anil Kumar, T Siddique, PC Vishnunath, Roji M John, Bindu Krishna, M Liju, KA Thulasi and O J Janeesh.
Satheesan also confirmed key Assembly appointments ahead of the swearing-in. Veteran Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will serve as Speaker, while Shanimol Usman has been chosen as Deputy Speaker. Apu John Joseph will take charge as Government Chief Whip.
Cabinet Formation Completed Quickly
Speaking after meeting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan, Satheesan said the government formation process was completed in a remarkably short time following consultations with coalition partners and party leadership.
According to him, the entire Cabinet would take oath together alongside the Chief Minister, a move being witnessed after several decades in Kerala politics. He acknowledged that many deserving leaders could not be accommodated due to limitations linked to regional representation, social balance and coalition considerations.
Satheesan stated that the selection process took into account representation from different communities, including women and Scheduled Castes. He added that maintaining political and social balance was essential while finalising the ministry.
He also indicated that the allocation of portfolios had nearly been completed and only minor adjustments remained before the official Gazette notification is issued after the swearing-in ceremony.
Congress and IUML Leaders Express Confidence
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the leadership had completed extensive internal discussions before finalising the ministry. He noted that while not everyone could be accommodated in the Cabinet, the alliance had attempted to ensure wider representation.
Chennithala further said the strong mandate given by voters carried a responsibility to provide stable and effective governance. He also stressed that the Congress-IUML partnership remained united and strong.
The IUML confirmed that its five ministers would immediately join the new government. The party also announced an internal rotational arrangement under which Kuttiadi MLA Parakkal Abdulla would join the Cabinet after two-and-a-half years.
Focus on Election Promises
Several incoming ministers expressed gratitude to the party leadership and assured that the new administration would prioritise fulfilling promises made during the election campaign.
Congress MLA Roji M John said the government understood the expectations placed upon it after receiving a large mandate from voters. He stated that the administration would work towards implementing commitments made to the people of Kerala.
K Muraleedharan also said the government would gradually roll out major welfare measures announced before the elections. Among the key promises highlighted was free travel support for women, which he said would be implemented in phases along with other guarantees.
IUML leaders PK Basheer, N Samsudheen and VE Abdul Gafoor also expressed confidence that the coalition government would work in the interest of the public and focus on development-oriented governance.
UDF Secures Massive Electoral Victory
The UDF recorded a sweeping win in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections by securing 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly. The Congress emerged as the single-largest party with 63 seats, while the IUML won 22 constituencies.
The Left Democratic Front was reduced to 35 seats, marking a major setback after two consecutive terms in office. The BJP managed to win three Assembly constituencies in the state.