Kerala UDF Government to Swear In New Cabinet on May 18, 2026
The United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, India, has scheduled the swearing-in of its new state cabinet for May 18, 2026, following a decisive election victory. Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan will lead the ceremony after finalizing portfolio allocations with coalition partners, including the Congress, IUML, and Kerala Congress. Key negotiations resolved internal discord by offering the Home portfolio to senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. The 21-member cabinet list aims to balance factional and community interests, marking the formal establishment of the new administration in Thiruvananthapuram.
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V D Satheesan Sworn In as Kerala Chief Minister with New Cabinet
Congress leader V D Satheesan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday, following a decisive victory for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state Assembly elections. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, saw 20 ministers take oath alongside Satheesan. The new cabinet features a blend of veteran politicians and fresh faces, with 14 individuals serving as ministers for the first time, including Satheesan himself. The composition reflects social diversity, including two women and two representatives from the Scheduled Caste community. Portfolio distribution favors the Congress party with 11 seats, while the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) holds five, and other allies hold one each. Key senior figures include Ramesh Chennithala, expected to handle Home and Vigilance, and IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty, likely to retain the Industries portfolio. The article highlights the transition of power and the strategic inclusion of experienced leaders like K Muraleedharan and new entrants such as KPCC president Sunny Joseph, marking a significant political shift in the state.
Economic TimesV D Satheesan Sworn In as Kerala Chief Minister, Leading Congress Revival
Vadasseri Damodara Menon Satheesan has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a ten-year hiatus. A lawyer-turned-politician from Kochi, Satheesan rose to prominence through his disciplined organizational skills and sharp rhetorical attacks against the previous Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, he effectively highlighted issues of alleged nepotism, corruption, and financial mismanagement, which helped revitalize the Congress party's image and appeal to younger voters. The April 9 assembly elections resulted in a decisive victory for the UDF, ending the Left Democratic Front's rule. Satheesan, known for his calm public demeanor yet aggressive legislative style, now faces the challenge of balancing development goals with welfare promises. His administration includes a 20-member cabinet, incorporating allies like the IUML, signaling a focus on secular governance and coalition stability. This event signifies a major political shift in the southern Indian state, re-establishing the Congress party as a dominant force in Kerala's politics.
Economic TimesCongress Forms New Kerala Cabinet with Focus on Social and Regional Balance
After a decade, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has returned to power in Kerala, with V.D. Satheesan sworn in as Chief Minister. A 21-member cabinet was formed, strategically designed to balance social, religious, caste, and regional equations. The Congress party holds 11 ministerial positions, while its key ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), secured five posts. Other allies, including factions of Kerala Congress and the RSP, received one seat each. The cabinet composition reflects careful social engineering: nine ministers are Hindu (including four from the influential Nair community and representatives from Ezhava and Dalit backgrounds), six are Muslim, and five are Christian. Geographically, the selection aims to strengthen the UDF's hold across Kerala, with significant representation from the northern Malabar region, where the UDF performed well, as well as balanced inclusion from central and southern Travancore regions. This arrangement seeks to consolidate support among diverse voter bases, including upper castes, backward classes, Muslims, and Christians, ensuring political stability and broad-based representation in the new government.
India Today | Latest StoriesVD Satheesan Sworn in as Kerala Chief Minister with 20-Minister Cabinet
VD Satheesan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026, leading the United Democratic Front (UDF) government back to power after a decade. The UDF coalition secured 102 of 140 assembly seats. Satheesan announced a 20-member cabinet, described as the fastest formation in Kerala’s history, completed within 24 hours. The cabinet includes 11 ministers from the Congress party, five from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and representatives from smaller allies like Kerala Congress and the Revolutionary Socialist Party. Notably, the majority are first-time ministers, with only two women and two Scheduled Caste members included to ensure social and regional balance. The swearing-in ceremony at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram was attended by senior Congress leaders and other political figures. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was appointed Speaker. The new government plans to prioritize welfare measures such as free bus rides for women. This event marks the first time in 60 years that a complete Kerala cabinet has been sworn in simultaneously.
The QuintVD Satheesan Sworn In As Kerala Chief Minister Following UDF Victory
VD Satheesan has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala, marking the return of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power in the state after a ten-year hiatus. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium, attended by senior Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge. Alongside Satheesan, a full cabinet comprising 20 ministers was also inducted. This development follows the recent Assembly elections where the Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory, winning 102 out of 140 seats, thereby unseating the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), which secured 35 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 3 seats. Satheesan, who previously served as the Leader of the Opposition for five years, was selected as the Chief Minister-designate after an 11-day deliberation process involving other contenders like K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala. He is credited with revitalizing the party's grassroots presence. The election results were declared on May 4, following polls held on April 9, fulfilling the UDF's campaign promise of leading Kerala to victory.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000V D Satheesan Sworn In as Kerala's New Chief Minister, Marking UDF's Return to Power
Congress leader V D Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026, at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. This event marks the return of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade, ending the Left Democratic Front's rule. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to Satheesan and his 20-member Council of Ministers, which includes senior Congress leaders and representatives from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The cabinet features 14 new faces, including two women and two representatives from Scheduled Caste communities, aiming for balanced social representation. The UDF secured a decisive mandate in the 2026 Assembly elections, winning 102 out of 140 seats, with Congress winning 63 seats and IUML securing 22. Prominent national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attended the ceremony. Satheesan described the government formation process as the fastest in Kerala's history. Additionally, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was appointed as the Speaker of the Assembly, and Shanimol Usman as Deputy Speaker.
Economic TimesRamesh Chennithala Claims Kerala Home Minister Post Ahead of VD Satheesan's Swearing-In
Ramesh Chennithala has announced his intention to assume the role of Home Minister in Kerala ahead of VD Satheesan’s swearing-in as the state's new Chief Minister. The ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 am at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the return of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after ten years. Chennithala emphasized the UDF's commitment to improved governance and law and order, stating that the previous LDF government was rejected by voters. The new 20-member cabinet includes senior Congress leaders and representatives from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). This political shift follows the UDF's decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, where they won 102 out of 140 seats. The Congress party emerged as the single largest party with 63 seats, while the IUML secured 22. The LDF managed only 35 seats, ending their decade-long rule. Additionally, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been appointed as the Speaker of the Assembly. Chennithala highlighted the implementation of five guarantees announced by Rahul Gandhi as a key priority for the new administration.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000V D Satheesan Sworn In as Kerala Chief Minister After UDF Victory
V D Satheesan was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026, following the United Democratic Front's (UDF) decisive victory in the state Assembly elections. The Congress-led alliance secured 102 out of 140 seats, defeating the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which won 35 seats, and the BJP, which secured three. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office at a ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, attended by senior Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Satheesan formed a 20-member cabinet, retaining the Finance portfolio himself to address economic challenges, while assigning the influential Home and Vigilance departments to senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. The cabinet selection process reflected internal party dynamics, with four first-time MLAs included and several senior legislators excluded, highlighting the influence of factional loyalty and key figures like K C Venugopal in shaping the new government.
The Indian ExpressVD Satheesan to Take Oath as Kerala Chief Minister with 20-Member Cabinet
VD Satheesan is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala today, leading a 20-member cabinet. The oath ceremony will be administered by Governor RV Arlekar and attended by prominent Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Satheesan’s selection followed nine days of internal deliberation within the Congress party, where central leadership initially favored KC Venugopal. However, strong support from local MLAs, the ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and public sentiment ultimately secured Satheesan’s position, a decision finalized after discussions between Sonia Gandhi and former CM AK Anthony. The new cabinet comprises 11 Congress members, five from IUML, and representatives from smaller allied parties, with 14 ministers being new faces. Notably, Satheesan lacks prior administrative experience but has pledged strict fiscal discipline. He has announced immediate austerity measures, including the elimination of extravagant VIP convoys and a ban on purchasing new luxury vehicles for ministers, aiming to address the state's financial challenges and reduce government expenditure.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000V.D. Satheesan and 20-Member UDF Cabinet to Take Oath in Kerala Swearing-In Ceremony
V.D. Satheesan is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026, leading the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will administer the oath of office to Satheesan and his 20-member Council of Ministers. A day prior to the event, Satheesan unveiled the cabinet composition, which includes 11 ministers from the Indian National Congress, five from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and representatives from coalition partners such as Kerala Congress (Joseph), Revolutionary Socialist Party, Kerala Congress (Jacob), and Communist Marxist Party. Prominent Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief Rahul Gandhi, are expected to attend the ceremony. Extensive security arrangements and traffic restrictions have been implemented in Thiruvananthapuram to manage the event. This transition marks a significant moment for Kerala politics, with Satheesan assuming leadership of the state administration following the UDF's electoral success.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduV.D. Satheesan Announces 20-Minister Kerala Cabinet; Swearing-in Set for May 18
Kerala Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan has announced the 20-member Council of Ministers for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 18, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian National Congress holds 11 cabinet positions, while the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) secures five. Remaining posts are allocated to coalition partners including Kerala Congress factions, the Revolutionary Socialist Party, and the Communist Marxist Party. Satheesan highlighted that this marks the first time in 60 years a complete cabinet is sworn in simultaneously, describing the formation process as the fastest in Kerala's history. The cabinet includes two women and two ministers from Scheduled Caste communities, reflecting efforts to balance social and regional equations. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Shanimol Usman have been appointed as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, respectively. High-profile national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, along with several sitting Chief Ministers, are expected to attend the ceremony at the Central Stadium. Satheesan emphasized a vision for a new era in Kerala, termed 'Puthuyuga Keralam,' while rejecting criticisms against coalition partners.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduKerala CM Designate VD Satheesan Finalizes 20-Minister Cabinet with 14 New Faces
Kerala Chief Minister designate V.D. Satheesan has finalized his cabinet, which will consist of 20 ministers, including 14 new faces. The list was submitted to Governor R.V. Arlekar ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for the following day. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was a contender for the chief minister position, will join the cabinet alongside other prominent figures like Sunny Joseph and K. Muraleedharan. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), has been allocated five ministerial positions. The UDF recently secured a decisive victory by winning 102 out of 140 seats in the state assembly elections. In a move emphasizing fiscal responsibility and reduced protocol, Satheesan announced that ministers would not use convoys, security vehicles, or ambulances, and he personally declined a new official vehicle. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Shanimol Usman have been appointed as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively. High-profile national leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000Kerala CM-designate Satheesan Announces 21-Member Cabinet Ahead of Swearing-in
Kerala Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan has announced the composition of his 21-member Cabinet, scheduled to take oath on Monday at 10 am. This marks a significant moment as the entire United Democratic Front (UDF) Cabinet will be sworn in together for the first time in six decades. The final list, approved by the Congress high command and submitted to the Governor, reflects considerations of social and regional balance. The Congress party, which secured 63 assembly seats, nominated twelve ministers, including Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K. Muraleedharan. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) secured five portfolios, while partners like Kerala Congress, RSP, and CMP received remaining seats. Additionally, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was named Assembly Speaker, with Shanimol Usman as Deputy Speaker. Portfolio allocation discussions are nearly complete. High-profile national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with several southern state Chief Ministers, are expected to attend the ceremony. Satheesan described the election outcome as one of the Congress party's biggest victories in Kerala, emphasizing the coalition's strategic approach to inclusive representation despite excluding some eligible leaders.
India Today | Latest StoriesUDF Government Formation Negotiations in Kerala Become Chaotic Political Ride
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala experienced turbulent negotiations while forming its new government on May 17, 2026. Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan navigated intense demands from various Congress factions and alliance partners seeking cabinet positions. Media speculation regarding ministerial portfolios reached a fever pitch, with television channels broadcasting conflicting reports. Insiders described the process as transactional, marked by haggling, broken promises, and reluctant compromises. Initial tensions arose as faction leaders Ramesh Chennithala and K.C. Venugopal insisted on accommodating their loyalists, but a detente was eventually struck under pressure from the Congress high command. AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi intervened to ensure a consensus before the deadline to submit the ministerial list to Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Significant effort was also made to accommodate former Communist Party of India (Marxist) members who joined the alliance and to placate smaller party leaders like Mani C. Kappan and Anoop Jacob, who had rejected rotational power-sharing proposals. The outcome reflected a mix of disappointment and fulfillment among the involved parties.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduSatheesan Announces Kerala Cabinet Including Rival Chennithala
V D Satheesan, the Chief Minister-designate of Kerala, has announced his cabinet team one day prior to the swearing-in ceremony. The announcement follows the United Democratic Front's (UDF) significant electoral victory, where the Congress-led alliance secured 63 seats, unseating the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Notably, the cabinet includes senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was a primary rival to Satheesan in the race for the Chief Minister position. Other key inductees include K Muraleedharan and Sunny Joseph. Satheesan acknowledged that many deserving leaders were excluded due to the necessity of maintaining social balance and regional representation within the alliance. Additionally, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been appointed as the Speaker of the Assembly, with Shanimol Usman serving as Deputy Speaker. The final ministerial list is set to be submitted to the Governor for formal approval and subsequent notification via the official gazette. This development marks a crucial step in the formation of the new state government in Kerala.
The Indian ExpressKerala UDF Government Swearing-In: 21 Ministers to Take Oath Under VD Satheesan
The United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala is set to form a new government, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday at 10 am. UDF leader VD Satheesan announced that 21 ministers, including himself, will take the oath of office and secrecy. This event marks a significant moment as the entire cabinet will be sworn in together for the first time in approximately 60 years. The list of 20 additional ministers was submitted to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar following approval from the party high command. Satheesan emphasized that the cabinet composition reflects careful consideration of regional and social balance, noting that many eligible leaders were excluded to maintain this equilibrium. The Indian National Congress holds the majority of portfolios, with key figures such as Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan included. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) secured five ministerial positions, while other allies like Kerala Congress, RSP, and CMP also received representation. The announcement concludes a period of speculation regarding the cabinet's structure, highlighting the coalition's strategic approach to inclusive governance.
India Today | Latest StoriesVD Satheesan to Be Sworn In as Kerala Chief Minister; Rahul Gandhi to Attend Ceremony
VD Satheesan, the elected chief ministerial candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, is scheduled to take the oath of office and secrecy at 10 am on Monday. The grand swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, where his entire cabinet is also expected to be sworn in. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal confirmed that the list of ministers will be submitted to the Governor, adhering to the tradition of not announcing the cabinet beforehand. He emphasized that the new government is committed to fulfilling its electoral promises and addressing the expectations of the people of Kerala. The event will see the attendance of prominent Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with chief ministers from other Congress-ruled states. Venugopal also criticized recent provocative statements by Vellappally Natesan, asserting that the focus remains on forming a capable team to govern effectively. This development marks a significant political transition in the state, with high-level participation underscoring the importance of the new UDF administration.
India Today | Latest StoriesVD Satheesan Set to Take Oath as Kerala CM Amid Coalition Disputes
VD Satheesan is scheduled to take oath as the next Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade. However, the celebrations are overshadowed by internal dissent regarding cabinet portfolio allocations and the leadership selection process. The Nair Service Society (NSS) has criticized the delay in announcing the Chief Minister, alleging that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) exerted undue influence. Similarly, SNDP Yogam leader Vellappally Natesan hinted at external pressures affecting the decision and expressed disappointment over senior leader Ramesh Chennithala being overlooked. Further tension arose when independent MLA Mani C Kappan rejected a proposed rotational ministerial berth, claiming it contradicted earlier assurances of a full-term position. Despite these conflicts, UDF general secretary KC Venugopal confirmed that the final list of ministers would be submitted to the Governor soon. The UDF secured a decisive victory with 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, defeating the Left Democratic Front. Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram are currently underway.
India Today | Latest StoriesKerala CM-Designate Satheesan Defends IUML Against Anti-Secular Labels Amid Cabinet Formation
Kerala’s Chief Minister-designate, V.D. Satheesan, has firmly rejected attempts to characterize the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as an anti-secular entity, labeling such narratives as hate propaganda. Speaking alongside IUML leadership in Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan emphasized the party's historic role in maintaining communal harmony and secularism in Kerala. He cited specific instances, including the IUML's mediation during the Munambam land dispute and the Palluruthy school controversy, as evidence of their stabilizing influence. Satheesan asserted that the United Democratic Front (UDF) government would strongly counter any efforts to create social schisms along communal lines, reflecting the mandate received in the recent assembly elections. Regarding the upcoming cabinet formation, Satheesan indicated that talks had progressed significantly with no major obstacles remaining. While declining to confirm the exact number of ministerial berths for the IUML, he assured that the final list of ministers would be submitted to the Governor shortly, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for the following day. The statement underscores the UDF's unified approach and commitment to preserving Kerala's secular polity against divisive forces.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduCongress Finalizes Cabinet Allocations with UDF Allies Ahead of Kerala Government Formation
The Congress leadership in Kerala is engaged in final negotiations with United Democratic Front (UDF) allies to determine the allocation of ministerial portfolios before the new government's swearing-in on May 18, 2026. Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan’s office confirmed that five Cabinet berths have been allocated to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the UDF's second-largest constituent. The IUML is reportedly considering candidates for key ministries such as Industries, IT, and Education. Meanwhile, tensions persist regarding smaller allies; Mani C. Kappan of the Nationalist Congress Kerala rejected demands for term-sharing, while Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Anoop Jacob demanded a full term. The inclusion of Revolutionary Socialist Party’s Shibu Baby John and Communist Marxist Party’s C.P. John appears certain. Additionally, the Congress is evaluating how to accommodate CPI(M) rebels who joined the alliance, including former minister G. Sudhakaran, who won decisively in an LDF stronghold. Satheesan faces a 2 p.m. deadline to submit the final Council of Ministers list to Governor Rajendra Arlerkar, with leadership urging compromises to resolve lingering dissatisfaction among partners.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The Hindu