THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 18: Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan on Monday assumed office as the new Chief Minister of Kerala during a grand swearing in ceremony held in the state capital. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Congress Legislature Party leader in the presence of thousands of supporters and prominent political figures.
Satheesan took the oath in the name of God, marking the beginning of a new political chapter in Kerala after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive mandate in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
Alongside the new Chief Minister, a 20-member Cabinet was also sworn in during the ceremony attended by leaders from across the political spectrum. The event witnessed the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several chief ministers from Congress-ruled states.
Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, senior Left Democratic Front (LDF) leaders, and representatives of the BJP also attended the function, reflecting the significance of the political transition in the southern state.
The swearing-in venue turned into a sea of Congress supporters as party workers from different districts of Kerala gathered in large numbers to celebrate the party’s return to power. Slogans, party flags, and cultural performances added to the festive atmosphere across Thiruvananthapuram.
The Kerala Assembly elections for the 140-member House were conducted on April 9, while the results were declared on May 4. The Congress-led UDF emerged with a commanding majority by winning 102 seats. The ruling LDF managed to secure 35 seats, whereas the BJP won three seats in the Assembly.
Political observers believe Satheesan’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping Kerala’s governance agenda, with expectations focused on economic growth, employment generation, welfare measures, and infrastructure development.
The new administration is expected to announce its policy priorities and governance roadmap in the coming days as the government begins its first term under Satheesan’s leadership.