VD Satheesan takes oath as a Kerala CM

Having served as the Leader of the Opposition since the Congress’ defeat in the 2021 Assembly polls, Satheesan successfully led the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to a decisive victory, ending the Left Democratic Front’s ten-year rule

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 18 May 2026, 10:33 AM IST

VD Satheesan sworn-in as Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram: A new political chapter begins in Kerala as VD Satheesan took oath as the state’s Chief Minister, heralding a generational shift in the leadership of the Congress party.

Having served as the Leader of the Opposition since the Congress’ defeat in the 2021 Assembly polls, Satheesan successfully led the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to a decisive victory, ending the Left Democratic Front’s ten-year rule.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the formal return of the UDF to power. The new government will assume office with a 21-member cabinet, including the Chief Minister. Several senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with chief ministers from other Congress-ruled states, are expected to attend the ceremony.

Cabinet Composition and Coalition Sharing

The Congress will hold 11 ministerial posts, including the Chief Minister’s position, while its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), is likely to receive five seats in the cabinet. Key IUML leaders expected to be inducted include P.K. Kunhalikutty, KM Shaji, N. Shamsuddeen, and Parakkal Abdulla. Reports indicate internal debate over the inclusion of PK Basheer, with some party members voicing reservations.

Notably, 14 of the 21 ministers in the new cabinet are first-time officeholders, giving the government a fresh and youthful profile.

Kerala Assembly Election 2026 Results

The 2026 elections delivered a remarkable comeback for the UDF. Out of the 140 Assembly seats, the UDF secured 102, with the Congress alone winning a record 63 seats — its best-ever tally in the state. The IUML won 22 seats, Kerala Congress (Jacob) and Communist Marxist Party secured one seat each, Kerala Congress - KEC bagged seven seats, and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) won three.

With this decisive mandate, VD Satheesan’s government embarks on a new political era, promising a blend of experience and fresh leadership in Kerala.