Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power in Kerala after a decade as six-term legislator V D Satheesan took oath as the Chief Minister at Thiruvananthapuram's Central Stadium on Monday. Addressing a roaring crowd, he signaled a sharp political reset by announcing a series of welfare measures, administrative changes, and a fresh probe into a politically sensitive assault case linked to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023.
First Cabinet Decisions
Satheesan moved swiftly to stamp his authority on the administration and underline the UDF's welfare-first approach. The first cabinet meeting cleared several key initiatives:
- Free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses starting June 15.
- A Rs 3,000 increase in the honorarium for ASHA workers.
- Creation of a separate department for senior citizens, which the Chief Minister described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. "The protection of senior citizens is essential for building a civilised society," Satheesan said at his first press conference.
The government also announced the formation of an expert committee comprising officials and financial specialists to prepare a white paper on Kerala's financial health.
Reinvestigation into Assault Case
In a politically loaded move, the cabinet ordered a reinvestigation into the assault on Youth Congress and Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists by gunmen attached to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during his Nava Kerala Yatra in Alappuzha in December 2023. The incident followed black-flag protests. Satheesan said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would probe the case, accusing the previous government of dragging its feet despite court directions for a reinvestigation.
Key Appointments
The cabinet also replaced top legal officers, appointing T Asaf Ali as Director General of Prosecution, replacing T A Shaji, and Jaju Babu as Advocate General, replacing K Gopalakrishna Kurup.
Satheesan, 61, was joined by a 20-member ministry that included P K Kunhalikutty, Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K Muraleedharan, and K A Thulasi, who took the oath last.
About the Author: V Ayyappan is a senior assistant editor with expertise in writing on diverse subjects. With a focus on railways, tourism, and ports, he has authored extensive articles over the last 25 years, showcasing in-depth knowledge and insight. Ayyappan also explores art, culture, and social history through his articles, highlighting the richness and complexity of these fields.
