UDF meeting: Keralam CM Satheesan says alliance electoral victory was "beginning, not destination"
Thiruvananthapuram, July 30
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday said the Congress-led United Democratic Front government was committed to fulfilling every promise made to the people as the ruling alliance held its first meeting after assuming office to review its progress and outline future priorities.
The meeting was held at the Chief Minister's official residence, Cliff House, in Thiruvananthapuram.
Sharing details of the meeting in a post on X, Satheesan said the alliance had come together to assess the work carried out since taking office and to chart the government's roadmap.
"United in Purpose. Driven by Progress. Team UDF convened at Cliff House today. After the people's resounding mandate, we came together to review our progress, assess the work done so far, and chart the road ahead. The great victory was a beginning, not a destination every promise made to the people of #Keralam will be honoured with action. Together in vision, united in action for the people, always," Satheesan said.
The meeting marked the first formal gathering of the UDF leadership after the alliance assumed power in the state earlier in May, following its decisive victory in the Assembly elections.
The Congress-led UDF returned to power in Keralam after a decade, with Satheesan taking oath as the state's 13th Chief Minister on May 18 at a ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Satheesan and his council of ministers.
A total of 20 ministers, including 14 first-time ministers, two women ministers and two representatives from the Scheduled Caste community, were sworn in. The Congress secured 11 ministerial berths in the cabinet, while its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), received five portfolios. Other allies, including Kerala Congress factions, the Revolutionary Socialist Party and the Communist Marxist Party, were also represented in the ministry.
The UDF secured a sweeping mandate in the Assembly elections held on April 9, winning 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) won 35 seats, while the BJP secured three seats.
— ANI
Reader Comments
UDF's return after 10 years is a big deal. But 20 ministers? 14 first-timers? Hope they don't fumble. Keralam needs focus on waste management and education, not just photo ops. Still, glad to see IUML and other allies getting portfolios—coalition dharma intact.
"Beginning, not destination"—I like that. But words are cheap. Let's track progress on election promises: loan waivers, better roads, healthcare. The LDF left a mess, so UDF has work cut out. Satheesan seems sincere, but I'll believe it when I see potholes fixed. 😅
UDF's mandate is historic, but 102 seats means big expectations. Satheesan's post is fine, but I hope they don't get complacent. Keralam's economy needs revival, and the finance portfolio went to IUML? Let's hope it doesn't create friction. Focus on results, not rhetoric.
Cliff House meetings are fine, but what about common people? Promises are all well and good—show us how you'll reduce power bills and improve public transport. Also, only 2 women ministers? In 2025? Disappointing. UDF needs to walk the talk on gender representation. 👩⚖️
As someone who moved to Keralam from the US recently, I'm curious to see if UDF can deliver. The election was decisive, but governance is different. Satheesan seems competent, but I hope he focuses on tech investment and ease of doing business. Let's see if "beginning" translates to
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