VD Satheesan sworn in as Kerala CM: UDF returns to power after a decade
Synopsis
After ten years in opposition, the Congress-led UDF is back in power in Kerala, with V.D. Satheesan taking oath as the 13th Chief Minister at Thiruvananthapuram's Central Stadium. With a 21-member cabinet to be finalised and coalition partner IUML navigating internal differences over berths, the new government's first test is managing alliance arithmetic before it even begins governing.
Key Takeaways
Satheesan is sworn in as Kerala's 13th Chief Minister on 18 May at the Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram .
The ceremony marks the UDF's return to power after a decade of Left Democratic Front rule.
The new cabinet will have 21 members ; Congress is likely to hold 11 posts , IUML reportedly five .
Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi , Priyanka Gandhi Vadra , and Mallikarjun Kharge are expected to attend.
Internal differences within IUML over the inclusion of P.K.
Basheer have reportedly emerged ahead of cabinet finalisation.
Congress leader V.D. Satheesan is set to be sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday, 18 May, at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, formally ending a decade of Left Democratic Front rule in the state. The ceremony marks the United Democratic Front (UDF)'s return to power following its decisive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections.
Key Developments
The new administration will comprise a 21-member cabinet, including the Chief Minister. Political sources indicate that the Indian National Congress (Congress) is likely to retain 11 ministerial berths, including the Chief Minister's post, while coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is reportedly in line for five ministerial positions.
Among the IUML names under priority consideration are P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsuddeen, and Parakkal Abdulla. However, reports suggest internal differences have surfaced over the possible inclusion of P.K. Basheer, with a section of the party reportedly expressing reservations over his elevation.
Satheesan Seeks Blessings Before Taking Office
A day before the swearing-in, Satheesan met eminent Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, also known as Cleemis Bava, who serves as the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and the Major Archbishop of Trivandrum. In a post on X, Satheesan said: '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 of faith and goodwill 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.'
Congress Top Brass to Attend Ceremony
Several senior Congress leaders are expected to grace the occasion, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Chief ministers from Congress-governed states are also anticipated to attend, underlining the national significance the party attaches to its Kerala win.
What the UDF Victory Means
The UDF's return ends an unbroken ten-year tenure of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) under former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala has historically alternated between the two fronts, and this election result continues that pattern — though the margin of the UDF's victory has been described as decisive, signalling voter fatigue with the incumbent government. The final cabinet composition, expected to be announced ahead of Monday's ceremony, will offer the clearest indication yet of how power is being shared within the coalition.
Point of View
Which means this victory is less a mandate for the Congress than a rejection of ten years of LDF incumbency. The real challenge begins now: the IUML's reported internal friction over cabinet berths is an early signal that coalition management will consume political capital the new government cannot afford to waste. Whether Satheesan can hold the alliance together while delivering on governance — rather than merely surviving five years — is the question mainstream coverage is not yet asking.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is V.D. Satheesan and why is he becoming Kerala's Chief Minister?
V.D. Satheesan is a senior Congress leader who led the United Democratic Front to a decisive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections. He is being sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on 18 May at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, ending ten years of Left Democratic Front rule.
Where is the Kerala swearing-in ceremony being held?
The swearing-in ceremony is being held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, 18 May. Several top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, are expected to attend.
How many ministers will be in the new Kerala cabinet?
The new UDF cabinet will have 21 members, including the Chief Minister. Congress is reportedly set to hold 11 posts, while coalition partner IUML is in line for five ministerial positions.
What is the significance of the UDF's return to power in Kerala?
The UDF's victory ends a decade of Left Democratic Front governance under Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala has historically alternated between the two fronts, and this result continues that pattern, with the margin of victory described as decisive.
What internal issues is the IUML facing over cabinet formation?
Reports indicate that a section within the Indian Union Muslim League has expressed reservations over the possible elevation of P.K. Basheer to a ministerial post. The final cabinet list, expected before the swearing-in, will clarify how the coalition has resolved the dispute.
