VD Satheesan, 20 Ministers to Take Oath as Kerala Gets New CM, Cabinet Today

Thiruvananthapuram is abuzz with anticipation as VD Satheesan prepares to take the oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, leading a 20-member cabinet. This marks a significant return to power for the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, which ousted the Left Democratic Front (LDF) after a ten-year tenure. The election results, which saw the UDF win 102 out of 140 seats, signal a clear mandate from the people of Kerala for a change in governance.

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There are deserving leaders among the 63 MLAs of the Congress who we could not, unfortunately, accommodate. As a party, the Congress has to look at social and regional balance too. The list was formed after several rounds of consultations with senior UDF leaders.

The formation of the new cabinet has been a meticulous process, with leaders engaging in extensive discussions to ensure representation across social and regional lines within the coalition. Satheesan emphasized that the selection of ministers, including 11 from the Congress and five from its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), was a carefully balanced decision. He acknowledged the difficulty in accommodating all deserving MLAs, highlighting the party's commitment to maintaining both social and regional equilibrium.

While the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Monday, the allocation of portfolios is nearing finalization and will be discussed further with alliance partners. Party sources indicate that senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, a prominent figure in the UDF, is likely to be assigned key portfolios such as home and vigilance, underscoring his continued influence within the coalition.

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Usually, portfolio details are submitted to the Governor after the swearing-in ceremony. We will submit them on Monday. After the Governor’s approval, it will be published as a gazette notification.

The transition of power represents more than just a change in government; it signifies a shift in the political landscape of Kerala. The UDF's victory, coupled with the BJP's improved performance, suggests a dynamic and evolving electorate. As the new government prepares to take office, the focus will be on addressing the state's challenges and fulfilling the promises made during the campaign, aiming to usher in a new era of governance for Kerala.

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It was a courtesy call and that they conveyed their congratulations to Chennithala.