Satheesan set to lead Kerala as Congress ends Left Front’s decade in power

After ten years of Left Democratic Front rule, Kerala is set for a major political transition on Monday as Congress leader V.D. Satheesan takes oath as chief minister at the head of a 21-member United Democratic Front cabinet in Thiruvananthapuram.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 am at the Central Stadium in the state capital, where extensive preparations have been completed to accommodate thousands of supporters, political leaders and invited guests. Temporary rain shelters and seating arrangements have been put in place ahead of the high-profile event.

Senior Congress figures, including Mallikarjuna Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are expected to attend. With Kerala now joining Karnataka and Telangana under Congress administrations, the party has strengthened its presence in southern India.

Authorities have imposed strict security and traffic regulations across Thiruvananthapuram in anticipation of large crowds and the arrival of several VIPs. Traffic diversions and parking restrictions are in force from 7 am to 4 pm.

The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory in the recent Assembly elections, winning 102 seats in the 140-member House and dislodging the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front, which was reduced to 35 seats. The BJP won three seats.

Satheesan, 61, who served as Leader of the Opposition over the past five years, has been widely credited with rebuilding the Congress organisation at the grassroots level. Despite representing Paravur since 2001, this will be his first ministerial role.

The chief minister-designate submitted the list of 20 ministers to governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday evening following extensive consultations within the alliance.

The cabinet includes experienced Congress leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, K. Muraleedharan and A.P. Anil Kumar, alongside Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sunny Joseph.

Alliance partners will also be represented in the ministry, including IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty, RSP leader Shibu Baby John, Kerala Congress leader Mons Joseph and Kerala Congress (Jacob) representative Anoop Jacob.

Fourteen members of the cabinet are first-time ministers. Among the newcomers are Congress leaders P.C. Vishnunadh, Roji M John, Bindu Krishna and T. Siddique, along with IUML figures N. Shamsuddin and K.M. Shaji.

The new ministry includes two women and two members from Scheduled Caste communities.

Political observers and UDF supporters have described the election verdict as a strong call for change, particularly from younger voters and welfare beneficiaries dissatisfied with the previous government’s second term.

Several senior leaders from across the political spectrum are expected to attend the ceremony, including Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Following the swearing-in, the new ministers will attend a reception at Lok Bhavan before holding the cabinet’s first meeting, where the government is expected to recommend convening the assembly.

Attention is now focused on the administration’s initial policy decisions. During the election campaign, the UDF pledged a series of welfare measures, including free KSRTC bus travel for women, a Rs 1,000 monthly allowance for female college students, an increase in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000, health insurance cover of up to Rs 25 lakh per household and interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs.

Satheesan has also promised a rise in the honorariums paid to ASHA workers after assuming office.

The newly elected MLAs are scheduled to take oath on 21 May, while the election for assembly speaker will be held on 22 May. The Governor’s policy address is expected on 29 May, with the state budget likely to be presented in early June.

With PTI inputs