Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, May 18: V D Satheesan was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday amid loud celebrations at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade.
The ceremony witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of party workers and supporters, who erupted in cheers as Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar announced Satheesan’s name for the oath-taking. The event symbolised a major political comeback for the Congress in the state after years in opposition.
Satheesan, who took oath in the name of God, succeeds the decade-long administration led by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The previous Congress-led government in Kerala was headed by late leader Oommen Chandy in 2011.
Several prominent national and regional political figures attended the swearing-in ceremony, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states such as Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh were also present, underlining the national significance attached to the UDF victory.
The newly formed 21-member Cabinet includes representatives from multiple alliance partners, with the Congress securing the majority of ministerial positions. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) received five berths, while smaller coalition partners were also accommodated in the ministry.
Notably, 14 ministers took oath for the first time, giving the Cabinet a relatively fresh composition. Veteran IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty was among the senior leaders inducted into the ministry.
The atmosphere in the state capital remained festive throughout the day as supporters from across Kerala gathered to witness the transition of power. The venue reportedly overflowed with crowds, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding the UDF’s return.
Soon after the ceremony and the traditional reception, the new Cabinet headed to the Secretariat for its first official meeting. Among the key issues expected to be discussed are the implementation of the election guarantees announced during the campaign and the new government’s immediate administrative priorities.