Kerala Set for New UDF Government as V.D. Satheesan to Be Sworn in as Chief Minister

New Delhi, May 2026 : The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, headed by Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan, will be held on Monday at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a significant political shift in Kerala after a decade.

The grand ceremony will formally signal the UDF’s return to power following its decisive victory in the recently concluded Kerala Assembly elections. The event is expected to witness the presence of top national leaders from the Congress party, underlining its political importance at the national level.

Senior Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge are expected to attend the ceremony. Chief ministers from Congress-ruled states and other senior opposition leaders are also likely to participate, making it a high-profile political event.

Satheesan Seeks Blessings Ahead of Swearing-In

A day before assuming office as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala, Satheesan on Sunday met Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, also known as Cleemis Bava, a prominent religious leader and Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

The meeting, held in Thiruvananthapuram, was seen as an important gesture reflecting the incoming Chief Minister’s outreach to community leaders across the state.

In a post on social media platform X, Satheesan said he had received the blessings and warm wishes of Cleemis Bava ahead of taking office. He described the Cardinal’s words of encouragement as a “source of great strength and motivation”.

He further stated that his government would be guided by principles of inclusive governance, with a strong focus on respecting all communities and prioritising Kerala’s development and welfare.

New Cabinet Structure and Power Sharing

The new UDF government will assume office with a 21-member Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister. Political sources indicate that the Congress party is likely to secure 11 ministerial portfolios, including the Chief Minister’s post, reflecting its dominant position within the coalition.

Coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is expected to receive five ministerial berths in the new cabinet. Among those being considered for ministerial positions are senior leaders P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsuddeen, and Parakkal Abdulla.

However, reports suggest that internal differences have emerged within the IUML over the inclusion of P.K. Basheer, with some sections expressing reservations about his induction into the cabinet. The final decision is expected to be taken ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

Anticipation Builds Ahead of Ceremony

The final composition of the cabinet is likely to provide a clearer understanding of the power-sharing arrangement within the newly formed UDF government. Political observers believe the structure will also indicate how the coalition plans to balance governance responsibilities and alliance interests.

With preparations underway for the high-profile ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, the political atmosphere in Kerala remains charged as the state prepares to witness a new phase of governance under the UDF after ten years.