The swearing-in ceremony of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on May 22, 2026, reflected the state's political diversity and culture. A total of 42 MLAs opted for solemn affirmation instead of taking an oath in the name of God, including members from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India. Other MLAs from the Congress, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Revolutionary Marxist Party, and the CMP KSC also followed the same path. In contrast, several Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal MLAs chose to take their oath in the name of God.
Unique Arrivals and Unity
Leaders arrived at the ceremony in distinctive ways, with some walking and others cycling to the venue. The event saw a display of unity as political rivals exchanged greetings and shared moments of camaraderie. Pro-tem Speaker G Sudhakaran and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shared a brief handshake, signaling a temporary truce.
Controversy Over Caste Surname
Chief Minister V D Satheesan faced criticism for using his caste surname during the proceedings, sparking debate on social and political platforms. The incident added a layer of contention to an otherwise harmonious event.
The swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of a new term for the Kerala Assembly, showcasing the state's commitment to democratic values and political pluralism. The diverse choices of oath-taking reflected the varied ideological and personal beliefs of the elected representatives.
