Senior Congress leader V. D. Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala during a grand ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. The oath of office was administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in the presence of top Congress leaders, alliance partners, and thousands of supporters.
The swearing-in marks the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala after nearly a decade, ending the Left Democratic Front’s 10-year rule in the state.
Along with Satheesan, a 20-member cabinet also took oath. The new ministry includes senior Congress leaders, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) representatives, and other UDF allies.
Several prominent leaders attended the ceremony, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and chief ministers from Congress-ruled states.
First Major Announcements
Soon after assuming office, Chief Minister Satheesan announced several welfare-focused measures promised during the election campaign. These included:
- Free KSRTC bus travel for women
- Increase in honorarium for ASHA workers
- Plans for a separate department for senior citizens
- Review of pending political violence cases
The new government said it would focus on welfare schemes, governance reforms, and financial transparency in the state.
Political Significance
Satheesan, who served as Leader of the Opposition for the past five years, is credited with rebuilding the Congress organization in Kerala and leading the UDF to a major electoral victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Political analysts say the change in government could significantly reshape Kerala’s political landscape after years of Left rule. The new administration is expected to face major challenges including state finances, unemployment, welfare delivery, and infrastructure development.
