The United Democratic Front (UDF) is set to return to power in Kerala after a gap of ten years, marking a major political comeback in the state. Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of VD Satheesan as the new Chief Minister, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala announced that he would be taking charge of the crucial Home portfolio in the new government.
VD Satheesan is scheduled to take oath as Kerala’s Chief Minister at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram along with his Council of Ministers. The event marks the beginning of a new political chapter for the state after the UDF secured a massive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
Speaking to the media ahead of the ceremony, Chennithala said the people of Kerala had rejected the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and given the UDF a clear mandate to provide better governance. He stated that maintaining law and order in the state would be one of the government’s top priorities. According to him, the Home Ministry would focus on ensuring peace, public safety, and effective administration across Kerala.
The announcement comes after several days of speculation within the Congress party regarding the leadership of the new government. Senior leaders such as KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala were also seen as strong contenders for the Chief Minister’s post. However, VD Satheesan eventually emerged as the consensus choice of the party leadership and alliance partners. Interestingly, Satheesan has never previously served as a minister in the Kerala government, making his elevation a significant political moment.
Chennithala described the day as “historic and auspicious” for Kerala, emphasizing that the UDF government has a responsibility to fulfill the promises made during the election campaign. He also said the alliance is committed to implementing the five guarantees announced by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the campaign. These promises are expected to focus on welfare measures, governance reforms, employment generation, and support for ordinary citizens.
The newly formed 20-member cabinet includes several prominent Congress and IUML leaders. Alongside Chennithala, senior leaders such as K Muraleedharan and KPCC president Sunny Joseph are part of the ministry. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also secured important representation in the cabinet with leaders including PK Kunhalikutty, PK Basheer, N Samsudheen, KM Shaji, and VE Abdul Gafoor.
Other ministers in the cabinet include Mons Joseph, Shibu Baby John, Anoop Jacob, AP Anil Kumar, T Siddique, PC Vishnunath, Roji M John, Bindu Krishna, M Liju, KA Thulasi, and O J Janeesh. In addition, senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been appointed as the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly, while Shanimol Usman will serve as Deputy Speaker. MLA Apu John Joseph has been named the Government Chief Whip.
The UDF achieved a landslide victory in the 2026 Assembly elections by winning 102 out of 140 seats. The Congress emerged as the single largest party with 63 seats, while the IUML secured 22 seats. The LDF was reduced to 35 seats, and the BJP managed to win only three constituencies. Political observers believe this victory reflects the strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the outgoing LDF government and growing public expectations for administrative reforms and development.
