IUML gets 5 cabinet berths in VD Satheesan-led Kerala UDF government
Synopsis
The IUML is claiming five of the most consequential seats in Kerala's incoming UDF cabinet — PK Kunhalikutty, N Samsudheen, KM Shaji, PK Basheer, and VE Abdul Gafoor all set to be sworn in Monday. It is one of the largest single-party allocations in the Satheesan ministry, reaffirming the IUML's indispensable position within the UDF coalition.
Key Takeaways
The IUML will hold five cabinet berths in the V.D.
Satheesan -led UDF government in Kerala .
The five IUML Ministers-designate are P.K.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Monday morning in Thiruvananthapuram .
All five Ministers-designate confirmed they are prepared to assume their responsibilities in the new government.
The allocation reflects the IUML's longstanding and significant role within the UDF coalition in Kerala.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is set to secure five cabinet positions in the incoming United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan, whose swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Monday morning in Thiruvananthapuram. The development underlines the IUML's pivotal role within the UDF coalition as Kerala prepares for a change of guard.
The IUML Ministers-Designate
The five IUML leaders set to be sworn in as Cabinet Ministers are P.K. Kunhalikutty, N. Samsudheen, K.M. Shaji, P.K. Basheer, and V.E. Abdul Gafoor. Their inclusion signals a broad-based coalition Cabinet, with the IUML commanding one of the largest single-party representations in the new ministry.
What the Ministers-Designate Said
Minister-designate V.E. Abdul Gafoor said the new government's direction had already been clearly articulated by Chief Minister-designate Satheesan. 'Our mission has been clearly stated by our Chief Minister-designate, so it has already been elaborated that under his leadership we will be implementing that project, and definitely whatever portfolio is given, we will work on that,' Abdul Gafoor said.
Minister-designate N. Samsudheen expressed satisfaction at being chosen for the Cabinet. 'Tomorrow, the V.D. Satheesan-led Ministry will take charge. I am also one of the Cabinet members, as my party has recommended me as a Minister,' he said. Minister-designate P.K. Basheer was equally direct: 'I am taking the oath as Minister.'
Significance of IUML's Representation
The IUML's five-berth allocation reflects the party's sustained electoral influence in Kerala's minority-heavy constituencies and its long-standing alliance with the Indian National Congress (Congress) within the UDF. Notably, the party had also held significant cabinet representation in previous UDF governments, making this a continuation of an established coalition dynamic rather than a departure from precedent.
This comes amid high expectations among UDF alliance leaders and supporters regarding governance priorities, infrastructure development, and welfare initiatives under the new administration.
What Happens Next
The swearing-in ceremony of the V.D. Satheesan-led Ministry is set to take place on Monday morning in Thiruvananthapuram, formally marking the commencement of a new UDF government in Kerala. Portfolio allocations for the new Ministers are expected to be announced shortly after the oath-taking, with governance priorities likely to be outlined in the days following the formation of the Cabinet.
Point of View
Public works, or education would signal greater policy influence than social welfare assignments. The Satheesan government inherits a state with significant fiscal stress and a development backlog; how the IUML's ministers perform on delivery, not just representation, will define the coalition's credibility. The real test begins the morning after the oath.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cabinet seats is the IUML getting in the Kerala UDF government?
The IUML is set to receive five cabinet berths in the V.D. Satheesan-led UDF government in Kerala. The five Ministers-designate from the party are P.K. Kunhalikutty, N. Samsudheen, K.M. Shaji, P.K. Basheer, and V.E. Abdul Gafoor.
When is the VD Satheesan government swearing-in ceremony?
The swearing-in ceremony of the V.D. Satheesan-led UDF ministry is scheduled for Monday morning in Thiruvananthapuram, formally marking the start of the new Kerala government.
Who are the IUML ministers in the new Kerala cabinet?
The five IUML leaders to be sworn in as Ministers are P.K. Kunhalikutty, N. Samsudheen, K.M. Shaji, P.K. Basheer, and V.E. Abdul Gafoor. All five have confirmed their readiness to assume office.
What is the IUML's role in the Kerala UDF coalition?
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is one of the principal partners in the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, alongside the Indian National Congress. The party has historically held significant cabinet representation in UDF governments, and its five-seat allocation in the Satheesan ministry continues that pattern.
What did the IUML ministers-designate say ahead of the swearing-in?
Minister-designate V.E. Abdul Gafoor said the government's mission had been clearly stated by Chief Minister-designate Satheesan and that ministers would implement it regardless of portfolio. N. Samsudheen expressed happiness at being chosen, while P.K. Basheer confirmed he was ready to take the oath.
