VD Satheesan to take oath as Kerala CM shortly; announces cabinet before ceremony- Check full list

Kerala Chief Minister-designate VD Satheesan has unveiled a 20-member cabinet ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, with 14 first-time ministers included in the new UDF government after its sweeping election win.

VD Satheesan to take oath as Kerala CM today (Img: Internet)

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan is set to take oath as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister on Monday, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Satheesan announced a 20-member cabinet that combines senior political leaders with a large number of fresh faces. The list was submitted to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan on Sunday.

Cabinet Features 14 First-Time Ministers

Of the 20 ministers in the new cabinet, 14 are first-time entrants. The ministry also includes two women and two representatives from Scheduled Caste communities.

Senior Congress leaders including Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan and A P Anil Kumar have been inducted into the cabinet. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sunny Joseph has also secured a berth.

Alliance partners have also received representation. Indian Union Muslim League veteran P K Kunhalikutty, RSP leader Shibu Baby John, Kerala Congress leader Mons Joseph and Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Anoop Jacob are among those included.

Fresh Faces Dominate Cabinet

Several younger and first-time ministers have also been accommodated in the ministry. These include Congress MLAs P C Vishnunadh, Roji M John, Bindu Krishna, T Siddique, K A Thulasi and O J Janeesh.

The IUML has secured five ministerial positions, with leaders N Shamsuddin, K M Shaji, P K Basheer and V E Abdul Gafoor among those inducted.

Speaking to reporters, Satheesan said the cabinet was finalised after discussions with alliance partners while ensuring caste, regional and coalition balance.

Key Appointments and Ceremony Details

The UDF has also decided to appoint senior Congress legislator Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan as Speaker of the Assembly, while Shanimol Usman will serve as Deputy Speaker.

Several national leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

The UDF secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, winning 102 of the state’s 140 seats, with Congress alone claiming 63 seats.