Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader and six-time MLA V. D. Satheesan on Monday took oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after 10 years and bringing an end to the Left Front’s long hold over the state.
Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister at a grand ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office in the presence of top Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
VD Satheesan takes oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala, in the presence of Rahul Gandhi Ji.
Congress has formed the government in the state after 10 years…🔥
Now, Congress has 4 CMs ✌🏻 pic.twitter.com/SDlsB6OCFA
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) May 18, 2026
20-Member Cabinet Takes Oath
Along with Satheesan, a 20-member Council of Ministers was also sworn in, signalling the formal transition of power in the state. Outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attended the ceremony, underscoring a smooth and democratic handover after the Left Democratic Front’s defeat in the Assembly elections. Vijayan is expected to serve as the Leader of Opposition in the new Assembly.
In a notable political moment, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar also shared the stage during the ceremony, with many observers describing the event as a display of political maturity and civility.
Key Ministries Likely to Be Finalised Soon
Sources indicate that Satheesan is expected to keep the crucial Finance portfolio under his direct supervision. Senior Congress veteran Ramesh Chennithala is likely to take charge of the Home Ministry, while Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sunny Joseph may be assigned the Revenue portfolio.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key UDF ally, has reportedly secured five ministerial positions in the new government, emerging as one of the major stakeholders in the coalition.
UDF Registers Massive Electoral Comeback
The Congress-led UDF stormed back to power with a commanding victory in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, winning 102 seats and comfortably crossing the majority mark.
The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to 35 seats, while the BJP-led NDA managed to secure three constituencies. Congress also emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly with 63 seats, reinforcing its dominance in the state’s political landscape.
The landslide verdict is being seen as a major political shift in Kerala, ending a decade-long Left rule and giving the Congress-led alliance a decisive mandate to govern the state.
