V.D. Satheesan chaired the first Cabinet meeting of Kerala's new Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government on Monday, 18 May, hours after being sworn in as Chief Minister, marking the UDF's return to power in Kerala after a decade. The historic transition unfolded in Thiruvananthapuram even as torrential rain lashed the capital, failing to deter thousands of supporters who had gathered to witness the moment.

Oath, Tea, and Transfer of Power

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Satheesan and his 21-member Cabinet proceeded to Lok Bhavan for the customary tea reception hosted by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The gathering marked the ceremonial handshake between the constitutional head and the incoming executive before the machinery of governance formally engaged.

Satheesan then made his way to the Chief Minister's office at the North Block of the State Secretariat, where he signed the initial files signalling the official transfer of power — a procedural milestone that formally ended the previous government's tenure.

Rain, Crowds, and a Historic Moment

By the time ministers began arriving at the Secretariat for the first Cabinet session, heavy rain had swept across the city. Security personnel struggled to manage the swelling crowd outside, which included pro-UDF Secretariat employees, party workers, and ordinary citizens who had braved the downpour. Chants of 'Satheesan' and slogans welcoming the Congress-led UDF back to power echoed through the rain-soaked streets.

Notably, the public enthusiasm underscored the weight of the moment — this is the first time in 10 years that the UDF is returning to the seat of power in Kerala, a state known for its near-clockwork alternation between the UDF and the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

First Cabinet Meeting Gets Under Way

With Cabinet colleagues assembled in the meeting hall adjacent to the Chief Minister's office, Satheesan entered the Cabinet room and took his seat at the head of the table, formally commencing the new government's inaugural meeting. The session is widely expected to set the tone for the administration's early priorities.

Expectations are mounting over the decisions to emerge from the maiden sitting, with several key policy announcements and welfare measures anticipated. Satheesan was scheduled to brief the media after the meeting, outlining the government's immediate direction and priorities.

What to Expect Next

Several of the anticipated decisions are expected to have a direct bearing on the lives of ordinary Keralites. Observers will watch closely for signals on the new government's economic agenda, pending welfare commitments made during the campaign, and its approach to ongoing infrastructure and social sector projects inherited from the outgoing administration.