Historic Comeback: UDF Reclaims Power in Kerala After a Decade

The new VD Satheesan-led Keralam Cabinet took oath, marking the Congress-led United Democratic Front's return to power after ten years. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the ceremony. The UDF’s triumph follows its landslide victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, defeating the Left Democratic Front.

In a significant political development, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power in Kerala after a decade, as twenty ministers were sworn in on Monday under the leadership of Chief Minister VD Satheesan. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Thiruvananthapuram's Central Stadium, was conducted by Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The event concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem after Vande Mataram.

The newly inducted Cabinet includes prominent figures such as Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader PK Kunhalikutty, who was the first minister to take the oath following Chief Minister Satheesan. Notable Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, and K Muraleedharan joined the new government, along with senior alliance members Mons Joseph of the Kerala Congress and Shibu Baby John of the Revolutionary Socialist Party.

This transition marks the UDF's decisive victory in the 2026 Keralam Assembly elections, where it secured 102 out of the total 140 seats, overpowering the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The Congress emerged as the single-largest party with 63 seats, and the IUML gained 22 seats, while the LDF was left with 35, and the BJP managed to secure three constituencies. The ceremony drew significant attendance, including senior Congress figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, showcasing a united front of the party's national leadership.