Kerala entered a new political phase on Monday as Congress leader V. D. Satheesan took oath as the state’s Chief Minister along with a 20-member cabinet during a grand ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram. The swearing-in marked the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after ten years.

Governor administered the oath of office and secrecy to Satheesan and his council of ministers in the presence of senior Congress leaders, party workers, and thousands of supporters. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several leaders from across the country attended the event.

The new cabinet includes a mix of senior politicians and fresh faces, reflecting the UDF’s attempt to balance experience with new leadership. Alliance partners, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), were also given representation in the ministry. Speaking after taking oath, Satheesan said his government would focus on development, employment generation, welfare schemes, and improving Kerala’s financial condition. He also promised transparent governance and faster implementation of public projects.

The UDF secured a clear majority in the recently concluded Assembly elections, ending the Left Democratic Front’s decade-long rule in the state. Political observers believe issues such as unemployment, rising prices, and public dissatisfaction with the previous administration played a major role in the election outcome.

Sources said portfolio allocation discussions were completed shortly before the ceremony. Key departments such as finance, home, education, and health are expected to be handled by senior ministers in the cabinet. Security was tightened across Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, with large crowds gathering near the venue since morning. Party workers celebrated the occasion with processions, slogans, and cultural performances across several districts.

The new government now faces major challenges, including boosting economic growth, managing state debt, tackling unemployment, and addressing climate-related concerns that frequently affect Kerala. With the new administration officially in place, attention will now shift to the cabinet’s first policy decisions and the roadmap the government plans to present in the coming weeks.