Kerala is set to witness a historic political transition as Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan and his 20-member council of ministers take oath on Monday at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The ceremony marks the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade, following its decisive victory in the Assembly elections.
Key Leaders to Attend the Swearing-In
Senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are expected to attend the ceremony. Chief ministers from Congress-ruled states—Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh—will also be present. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has been invited, though confirmation is awaited.
Satheesan Seeks Blessings Ahead of Oath
A day before assuming office, Satheesan met Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and sought his blessings. In a post on X, Satheesan described the Cardinal’s words as a “source of great strength and encouragement.” He reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and Kerala’s development.
Cabinet Composition and Power-Sharing
The new government will have a 21-member cabinet, including the chief minister. The Congress is expected to retain 11 ministerial berths, while coalition partner IUML will get five positions. Key IUML leaders tipped to join the cabinet include P K Kunhalikutty, K M Shaji, N Shamsuddeen, P K Basheer, and V E Abdul Gafoor. Internal discussions over the final line-up and portfolio allocation continued until late Sunday.
Satheesan Opts for Lean Convoy
In a move aimed at reducing public inconvenience, Satheesan has opted for a smaller security convoy of just three vehicles, compared to the usual 30-vehicle escort. He cited his empathy for common citizens who face delays due to VIP movement and emphasized his commitment to minimizing disruptions.
UDF’s Return to Power
The Congress-led UDF won 102 of the 140 assembly seats in the Kerala elections. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who is expected to take oath as a minister, stated that the alliance is committed to providing stable and effective governance. He reaffirmed the long-standing partnership with the IUML, which has been intact for over four decades.
The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled to begin at 10 am, will formally usher in the new UDF government. Stay tuned for live updates from Thiruvananthapuram on the cabinet line-up and portfolio allocation.
