V.D. Satheesan Takes Oath as Kerala Chief Minister, Congress-Led UDF Returns to Power After 10 Years

Thiruvananthapuram, May 2026 : A wave of celebration swept through Kerala’s capital on Monday as senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of the state, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade in the opposition.

The swearing-in ceremony at the packed Central Stadium turned into a massive show of political strength and public enthusiasm, with thousands of Congress workers and UDF supporters gathering from early morning to witness the historic occasion. Loud cheers, slogans and waving party flags greeted Satheesan as Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar announced his name for the oath of office.

For many party workers, the ceremony symbolised the end of a long political wait and the revival of the Congress-led alliance in the state. The last UDF government in Kerala was headed by the late Oommen Chandy, who assumed office in 2011.

The venue itself carried deep political symbolism. Located close to the state Secretariat, the Central Stadium became the focal point of Kerala politics as leaders from across the political spectrum assembled to witness the transition of power.

Satheesan, who will turn 62 on Sunday, took oath in the name of God amid thunderous applause from the crowd gathered inside and outside the overflowing stadium. Security arrangements were intensified as the capital witnessed unusually heavy political activity throughout the day.

In a notable departure from convention, several prominent national and regional political leaders shared the dais with the new Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues. Among those present were Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, newly elected BJP MLA and state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, senior leaders of the CPI and CPI(M), and veteran Congress functionaries.

The presence of the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh further highlighted the national importance the Congress leadership attached to the Kerala victory. The Congress viewed the UDF’s return to power as a major political boost ahead of future electoral battles across the country.

Veteran Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader P.K. Kunhalikutty was the second leader to take oath, followed by senior Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Sunny Joseph. The new 21-member Cabinet reflects a coalition balance within the UDF alliance.

Of the total ministers, 12 belong to the Congress, five to the IUML, and one each represents Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (Jacob), CMP and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP).

The new ministry also signals a generational shift, with 14 first-time ministers taking oath on Monday. Political observers noted that the Cabinet combines experienced leaders with younger faces in an attempt to project both stability and renewal.

Interestingly, Mons Joseph is the only member of the Cabinet who had previously served as a minister in the V.S. Achuthanandan-led Left government between 2007 and 2009, when his Kerala Congress faction was aligned with the LDF.

Earlier in the day, Satheesan personally received visiting dignitaries at the airport, a gesture seen as both courteous and politically symbolic.

Following the swearing-in ceremony and the customary tea reception, the newly formed Cabinet proceeded to the Secretariat for its first official meeting. Key policy decisions, including discussions on implementing the five guarantees promised by Rahul Gandhi during the election campaign, are expected to dominate the new government’s immediate agenda.

Team Maverick.