Kerala CM Oath Ceremony 2026: V.D. Satheesan Sworn In as Chief Minister | Full UDF Cabinet Takes Charge in Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala CM Oath Ceremony 2026: V.D. Satheesan Takes Oath as Chief Minister, Marking UDF’s Triumphant Return

In a grand political spectacle that has captured the attention of the entire nation, V.D. Satheesan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday, May 18, 2026. The Kerala CM oath ceremony took place at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram amid cheers from thousands of United Democratic Front (UDF) supporters, undeterred by predictions of thunderstorms. This momentous event signals the Congress-led UDF’s return to power in the state after a decade in opposition.

The swearing-in ceremony, which began at 10 a.m., was administered by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Along with Satheesan, a full cabinet of 20 ministers took oath, forming the new UDF government. Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge, graced the occasion, adding significant national importance to the event.

Historic UDF Victory in Kerala Assembly Elections 2026

The path to this Kerala CM oath was paved by a decisive mandate in the Assembly elections held on April 9, 2026. Results declared on May 4 saw the UDF secure a landslide 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly. The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to just 35 seats, while the BJP managed only 3.

This victory realized the UDF’s election slogan: “Kerala Jayikkum, UDF Nayikkum” (Kerala will win, UDF will lead). It ends ten years of LDF rule and marks one of the strongest mandates for the Congress-led alliance in recent Kerala history. V.D. Satheesan, who served as Leader of the Opposition for the last five years, played a pivotal role in revitalizing the party’s grassroots base, earning him the top post after an 11-day deliberation involving contenders like K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala.

Satheesan (61), a six-time MLA from Paravur, is widely credited with strengthening the Congress’s organizational structure and forging stronger coalition ties. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing the UDF back to the helm of Kerala’s governance.

Full List of Ministers in the New UDF Cabinet

The new Kerala cabinet reflects the coalition’s diverse composition:

Congress (11 Ministers):

Ramesh Chennithala
Sunny Joseph
K. Muraleedharan
A.P. Anil Kumar
P.C. Vishnunadh
T. Siddique
Bindu Krishna
K.A. Thulasi
Roji M. John
M. Liju
O.J. Janeesh

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML – 5 Ministers):

P.K. Kunhalikutty
N. Shamsudeen
K.M. Shaji
P.K. Basheer
V.E. Abdul Gafoor

Other UDF Partners:

Mons Joseph (Kerala Congress – Joseph)
Shibu Baby John (Revolutionary Socialist Party – RSP)
Anoop Jacob (Kerala Congress – Jacob)
C.P. John (Communist Marxist Party – CMP)

This balanced cabinet underscores the UDF’s commitment to inclusive representation across its alliance partners.

Highlights from the Kerala CM Oath Ceremony

The ceremony was marked by a few notable moments. Two ministers — Shibu Baby John (RSP) and C.P. John (CMP) — chose to solemnly affirm rather than take the oath in the name of God, reflecting their left-socialist ideological leanings while being part of the UDF. Most ministers took the oath in Malayalam, but senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan opted for English for both the oath of office and secrecy.

Extensive security and logistical arrangements were made at the Central Stadium to accommodate the large gathering of party workers, leaders, and dignitaries. The presence of top national Congress brass, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighted the party’s renewed focus on Kerala.

Satheesan is expected to focus on people-centric governance, addressing key issues such as economic recovery, education, healthcare, employment, and checking brain drain through innovative measures like a proposed “Global Job Watchtower.”

What This Means for Kerala Politics

The UDF’s return after a decade is being hailed as a significant shift in Kerala’s political landscape. Analysts point to several factors behind the victory: anti-incumbency against the LDF, effective campaigning by Satheesan, strong coalition management, and voter aspiration for change. The UDF’s near three-fourths majority provides a stable government to implement long-term developmental agendas.

For the Congress, this success under Satheesan’s leadership could bolster the party’s morale nationally. For allies like the IUML, it reinforces their influence in the state cabinet with five key ministerial berths.

The LDF’s sharp decline raises questions about its future strategy, while the BJP’s limited success indicates the challenges it faces in expanding its footprint in Kerala despite national presence.

Background and Rise of V.D. Satheesan

V.D. Satheesan has been a steadfast Congress leader with deep roots in Kerala politics. His tenure as LoP saw him effectively corner the previous government on various issues, from governance lapses to development delays. Insiders credit his organizational skills and ability to connect with grassroots workers for the party’s resurgence.

In the days leading to the Kerala CM oath, Satheesan visited the family of late leaders and held consultations with alliance partners to finalize the cabinet. His emotional moments, including prayers at the photograph of former CM Oommen Chandy, reflected his commitment to the party’s legacy.

Expectations from the New UDF Government

With a strong mandate, the Satheesan-led government is expected to prioritize:

Strengthening Kerala’s economy and attracting investments.
Improving education and healthcare infrastructure.
Tackling unemployment and migration issues.
Maintaining communal harmony in the diverse state.
Fulfilling coalition promises on welfare schemes.

The cabinet’s composition suggests a focus on balanced regional and community representation, which will be crucial for smooth governance.

As Kerala embarks on this new political chapter, the Kerala CM oath of V.D. Satheesan symbolizes hope and renewal for millions of residents. The UDF’s emphatic victory not only ends LDF’s decade-long rule but also sets the stage for competitive yet constructive politics in the state.

The eyes of the nation remain on Thiruvananthapuram as the new team settles into governance. Updates on policy announcements and the first cabinet meeting are eagerly awaited.

Stay tuned to our website for more live updates, analysis, and exclusive coverage on Kerala politics, UDF government initiatives, and developments following the historic 2026 Kerala CM oath ceremony.