Kerala is set to witness a major political shift today as VD Satheesan will take oath as the new Chief Minister along with a 20-member cabinet in Thiruvananthapuram. The swearing-in ceremony marks the return of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade following its sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.
The UDF secured a massive mandate by winning 102 out of 140 assembly seats, defeating the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The BJP also recorded its best-ever performance in Kerala by winning three seats.
The new cabinet will include 11 ministers from the Congress and five from ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), along with representatives from other coalition partners. Senior Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan, AP Anil Kumar, Sunny Joseph and PC Vishnunadh are among the prominent names in the ministry.
Speaking after meeting Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, CM-designate VD Satheesan said the cabinet was formed after extensive discussions to ensure social, regional and community representation. He stated that many deserving leaders could not be accommodated despite strong support within the party.
Sources indicate that Ramesh Chennithala may handle the crucial Home and Vigilance departments, while K Muraleedharan is likely to get Health and Temple Affairs portfolios. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph is expected to oversee the Revenue department.
The new cabinet also reflects a broader social balance, with representation from Scheduled Castes, OBC communities, Christians and women leaders. First-time MLAs Bindhu Krishna and KA Thulasi are among the women faces in the ministry.
The IUML, one of the key allies in the UDF alliance, has named veteran leader PK Kunhalikutty along with PK Basheer, KM Shaji, N Shamsudheen and VE Abdul Gafoor for cabinet positions. Coalition partners including Kerala Congress and Revolutionary Socialist Party have also secured ministerial berths.
The grand oath-taking ceremony will be held at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and is expected to be attended by senior Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and BJP leaders are also likely to attend the event.
VD Satheesan said the new government is focused on governance, welfare and development, promising to implement key poll guarantees announced during the election campaign. These include free bus travel for women and monthly financial assistance for girl students pursuing higher education.
The formation of the new UDF government is being viewed as a significant political comeback for the Congress-led alliance in Kerala and could shape the state’s political landscape ahead of future national elections.
