Congress leader V.D. Satheesan on Sunday, 18 May 2025, called on eminent Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis — widely known as Cleemis Bava — in Thiruvananthapuram, seeking blessings a day before he is sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala. The meeting underscored Satheesan's outreach to religious communities as he prepares to lead the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government.

The Blessing Visit

Cardinal Cleemis Bava currently serves as the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and the Major Archbishop of Trivandrum, making him one of the most senior Catholic figures in Kerala. In a post on X, Satheesan wrote: 'Received the blessings and warm wishes of #MarClimisBava ahead of assuming office as the Chief Minister of #Kerala tomorrow.'

Satheesan described the Cardinal's words as a 'source of great strength and encouragement,' adding: 'With a sense of divine responsibility, I remain committed to ensuring inclusive governance, respecting all communities, and prioritising the development and progress of Kerala.'

Cabinet Formation in Final Stretch

With the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for Monday, the final round of cabinet negotiations was set to conclude on Sunday. The complete list of ministers was expected to be submitted to the Governor by around 2 pm, as intensive consultations among UDF alliance partners continued through the morning.

Congress representative and Kerala in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi confirmed that discussions were progressing and that a final decision on the ministry's composition was expected later in the day.

Cabinet Composition: What Is Known

The incoming administration will be a 21-member cabinet — including the Chief Minister — the maximum permitted under Kerala's rules. According to political sources, the Congress is likely to secure 11 ministerial positions, including the Chief Minister's post, with the remaining berths distributed among UDF alliance partners.

Among the names reportedly close to finalisation from the Congress camp are senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, expected to take charge of the Home portfolio, alongside state party chief Sunny Joseph, K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, A.P. Anil Kumar, P.C. Vishnunath, M. Liju, Chandy Oommen, and Bindu Krishna. Discussions with alliance partners over their share of ministerial representation were still underway as of Sunday.

Significance of the Transition

Satheesan's elevation marks the UDF's return to power in Kerala, ending the Left Democratic Front (LDF)'s tenure. The pre-swearing-in outreach to a senior Catholic prelate reflects the political importance of Kerala's sizable Christian community — estimated at roughly 18% of the state's population — and signals Satheesan's intent to project an image of inclusive governance from day one. All eyes now turn to Monday's ceremony and the formal announcement of the full cabinet.