"Keralam in festive mode after UDF return to power": Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan hails Satheesan-led Cabinet
Thiruvananthapuram, May 18
Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan on Monday said people across Keralam were in a "festive mode" as the decade-long rule of Left Democratic Front came to an end with the swearing-in of VD Satheesan as the new Chief Minister of Keralam.
Speaking to ANI, Unnithan expressed happiness over the composition of the new Cabinet and said it reflected a balanced mix of experienced leaders and new entrants.
"Everyone in Keralam is in a festive mode because 10 years of the Marxist rule is going to end today. Most of the people in the cabinet are experienced and some of them are also new. I am happy with the cabinet," Unnithan said.
Meanwhile, UDF-backed Independent MLA G Sudhakaran expressed gratitude to the United Democratic Front (UDF) for its support, saying he had contested as an independent against both the CPI(M) leadership and the BJP.
"I am happy because I fought against the CPI(M) leadership and BJP as an independent candidate. I am thankful wholeheartedly for the support of UDF... I was never afraid of the opposition and I will fight whoever comes opposite to me," Sudhakaran told ANI.
Earlier in the day, VD Satheesan took oath as the Chief Minister of Keralam along with his 20-member Cabinet at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade.
Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the ministers. The ceremony concluded with the playing of Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem.
The 20-member Cabinet who sworn in, includes senior Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan and KPCC chief Sunny Joseph, along with Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders PK Kunhalikutty, PK Basheer, N Samsudheen, KM Shaji and VE Abdul Gafoor.
Other ministers, including Mons Joseph, Shibu Baby John, Anoop Jacob, CP John, AP Anil Kumar, T Siddique, PC Vishnunath, Roji M John, Bindu Krishna, M Liju, KA Thulasi and O J Janeesh, also took the oath.
Several senior Congress leaders attended the ceremony, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal.
The UDF secured a landslide victory in the 2026 Keralam Assembly elections, winning 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly. The Congress emerged as the single-largest party with 63 seats, while the IUML won 22 seats. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to 35 seats, while the BJP secured three constituencies.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Festive mode indeed! The people of Kerala have spoken loud and clear. But let's be honest, UDF also had its flaws last time. Let's hope they learned from past mistakes. The inclusion of IUML is crucial for coalition politics in Kerala. All the best to the new CM! 🙏
As an outsider looking in, it's fascinating to see how democracy works in Kerala. The peaceful transition of power and the enthusiasm of people is commendable. Hope this government focuses on education and healthcare, the core strengths of the state.
I'm from Thrissur and the mood here is electric! People were fed up with the LDF's arrogance. But I hope the new cabinet doesn't get into infighting. Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan are heavyweights - need to see how they work together. One thing is clear: Kerala rejects divisive politics. 👏
A decade of misrule ends! The LDF's arrogance finally caught up with them. Satheesan is a capable leader, but the real test begins now - tackling unemployment, managing state finances, and maintaining law and order. Also, good to see independent candidates like G Sudhakaran getting support. Democracy at its best!
Hope this new government prioritizes the environment and ethical governance. Kerala has always been a model state in many ways. The cabinet composition looks promising with a mix of experience and fresh faces. Fingers crossed for the next 5 years! 🤞
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