VD Satheesan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday at a ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath to Satheesan and his 20 ministers.

The swearing-in event was attended by senior Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several chief ministers and opposition leaders from across the country. Outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar were also present on stage.

Cabinet Composition

The new ministry includes prominent Congress leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan and state Congress president Sunny Joseph. From the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), PK Kunhalikutty, PK Basheer, N Shamsudheen, KM Shaji and VE Abdul Gafoor have been inducted.

Other members of the Cabinet represent alliance partners including Kerala Congress (Joseph faction), Revolutionary Socialist Party, Kerala Congress (Jacob), and Communist Marxist Party. Fourteen ministers in the new government are first-time entrants, signaling a mix of experience and fresh leadership.

Satheesan also announced key Assembly appointments: Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan will serve as Speaker, Shanimol Usman as Deputy Speaker, and Apu John Joseph as Government Chief Whip.

Electoral Mandate

The UDF secured a decisive mandate in the 140-member Assembly, winning 102 seats. The Congress emerged as the single-largest party with 63 seats, while the IUML added 22. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to 35 seats, and the BJP won three constituencies.

Satheesan, widely credited with steering the Congress revival after two successive Left governments, emerged as the consensus choice following internal deliberations within the party. His elevation came after discussions between senior leaders at both the state and national levels.

Governance Priorities

Although Satheesan assumes office without prior executive administrative experience, he has already announced significant policy shifts aimed at fiscal discipline and administrative reform.

He declared an end to what he described as excessive VIP culture, stating that he would limit his official convoy to a pilot vehicle and a single escort car. Ministers will continue using existing government vehicles instead of purchasing new ones, in a move intended to curb expenditure.

Having frequently raised concerns over the state's financial condition while in opposition, the new Chief Minister has indicated that austerity and responsible spending will be central themes of his administration.

The swearing-in ceremony also saw the presence of leaders from other Congress-ruled states, underlining the political significance of the party’s return to power in Kerala.