VD Satheesan Keralam Chief Minister Oath: VD Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala. Following a landslide victory in the 2026 assembly elections, the Congress-led UDF returned to power in the state after 10 years.

VD Satheesan Keralam Chief Minister Oath: VD Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday, marking a major shift in state politics. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power after a ten-year absence with a landslide victory in the 2026 assembly elections. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Satheesan and his 20-member cabinet.

Several senior Congress leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and KC Venugopal were present. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also attended the ceremony. Outgoing Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and CPI leader Binoy Viswam were also present.

After Satheesan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala, Rahul Gandhi hugged him. He was then seen whispering something into his ear. A video of this incident has also surfaced. Watch:

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram: VD Satheesan and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi share a hug after Satheesan took oath as Chief Minister of Keralam

(Source: PRD) pic.twitter.com/IJPSyjepjo

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2026

Satheesan's political career

VD Satheesan won the Paravur seat for the sixth consecutive time in the 2026 Assembly elections. He defeated CPI candidate ET Tyson Master by 20,600 votes. Born in Nettoor, near Kochi, in 1964, Satheesan is a lawyer by profession. He began his political career in student politics and later played an active role in the Youth Congress. After the 2021 Assembly elections, he became the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly and was one of the prominent figures of the UDF against the Left government.

Government formed in 24 hours

After the swearing-in, Satishan said that for the first time in Kerala's history, the government formation process was completed so quickly. He stated that the cabinet was formed within 24 hours after discussions with the allies. Satishan said that special importance was given to regional balance, social representation, and women and the Scheduled Caste community when forming the cabinet. In addition to being the Chief Minister, Satishan will also hold the Finance portfolio.

20-member cabinet takes oath

Along with Satheesan, 20 ministers were sworn in. These included several senior leaders from the Congress and its allies. Leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, K. Muraleedharan, PC Vishnunath, Rosy M. John, Bindu Krishna, and Sunny Joseph were included in the cabinet. Ramesh Chennithala has been given the responsibility of the Home Department. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders PK Kunhalikutty, PK Basheer, N. Samsuddin, VE Abdul Gafoor, and KM Shaji were also included in the cabinet.

Names of Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker finalised

Satheesan announced that senior Congress leader Thiruvannachoor Radhakrishnan will be the Speaker of the Assembly. Shanimol Usman has been appointed as the Deputy Speaker. The government has appointed MLA Apu John Joseph as the Chief Whip.

Thiruvananthapuram: N. Samsudheen, PC Vishnunath, Roji M John and Bindu Krishna take oath as cabinet ministers in the Keralam government led by VD Satheesan

(Source: PRD) pic.twitter.com/OSiUDJx9rw

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2026

Rahul Gandhi claims to implement 5 guarantees

Before being sworn in, Ramesh Chennithala stated that the new government would fulfill the promises made during the election. Congress's five key guarantees include:

Free bus travel for women,
Rs. 1000 monthly assistance to college going girls,
Rs. 3000 social pension,
health insurance up to Rs. 25 lakh for every family,
interest free loan up to Rs. 5 lakh to small businessmen

Big victory for UDF in 2026 elections

In the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, the UDF secured a clear majority, winning 102 out of 140 seats. Congress emerged as the largest party with 63 seats, while the IUML secured 22. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to 35 seats, and the BJP won three.

 PC: Prabhat Khabar