VD Satheesan To Take Oath Today With 20-Member Kerala Cabinet

V. D. Satheesan is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday along with a 20-member cabinet, marking the return of the Congress-led alliance to power in the state after defeating the Left Democratic Front in the Assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony will be administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

Satheesan, who emerged as the face of the Congress comeback in Kerala after the Left secured two consecutive terms in office, was chosen as chief minister after days of internal discussions within the party. While several leaders and alliance partners strongly backed Satheesan for the top post, sections of the Congress high command were reportedly inclined towards K. C. Venugopal, the party’s General Secretary (Organisation), who has long been associated with national politics in New Delhi.

The leadership decision triggered intense political activity within the state unit, with public campaigns and posters emerging in support of Satheesan. Reports of political tensions in Wayanad, including criticism directed at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also surfaced during the leadership discussions. According to party sources, a conversation between Sonia Gandhi and veteran Congress leader A. K. Antony eventually helped resolve the deadlock in favour of Satheesan.

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The new cabinet includes 11 ministers from the Congress, among them Ramesh Chennithala, K. Muraleedharan, Sunny Joseph and A. P. Anil Kumar. Alliance partner Indian Union Muslim League has secured five ministerial berths, while other coalition allies including the Kerala Congress factions, the Revolutionary Socialist Party and the Communist Marxist Party are also represented in the cabinet.

A significant feature of the new ministry is the inclusion of several first-time ministers, with 14 members entering the cabinet for the first time. New faces include Congress leaders P. C. Vishnunadh, Roji M. John and Bindu Krishna, alongside IUML leaders such as K. M. Shaji and N. Shamsuddin.

Satheesan, who does not have prior administrative experience, has already signalled a change in governance style by promising measures aimed at reducing financial extravagance and curbing VIP culture in the state. The new government is expected to outline its priorities shortly after assuming office, with public attention focused on economic management, welfare policies and administrative reforms.

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