VD Satheesan and 20 Ministers to Take Oath in Kerala
New Leadership for UDF
Kerala’s Chief Minister-designate, V.D. Satheesan, is set to be sworn in along with 20 ministers in Thiruvananthapuram today. This event marks the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) return to power in Kerala after a decade, following a significant electoral victory.
The UDF achieved an impressive outcome in the recent Assembly elections, securing 102 out of the 140 available seats. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) garnered 35 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made gains, winning three seats, which is noted to be its best performance in Kerala to date.
Cabinet Composition
The upcoming cabinet will consist of 11 ministers from the Congress party and five from its alliance partner, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). After submitting the ministerial list to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Satheesan emphasized that the final list was formulated following extensive discussions with alliance leaders, ensuring a balance of social and regional representation.
Satheesan commented, “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.” He mentioned that further consultations on portfolio allocation will take place with alliance partners before the details are submitted to the Governor after the swearing-in.
Strategic Appointments
Among the notable figures included in the ministerial list are senior Congress leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, K. Muraleedharan, and A.P. Anil Kumar. Chennithala is expected to oversee the home and vigilance portfolios, while Sunny Joseph, who defeated CPI(M) veteran K.K. Shailaja in the Assembly elections, is likely to receive the revenue portfolio. Muraleedharan, a previous Lok Sabha candidate, may be assigned health and temple affairs responsibilities.
Chennithala’s recent meetings with state police officials have sparked speculation regarding his anticipated role in the home ministry. Additionally, Chennithala confirmed that discussions on the swearing-in arrangements took place during these meetings.
Community Representation in the Cabinet
The cabinet appointment reflects the Congress party’s efforts to ensure social, religious, and regional balance. The composition includes five leaders from the Nair community, three from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Ezhava community, two from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, and two Christian representatives. However, it is noted that despite winning two Scheduled Tribe-reserved seats, no ST representatives have been included in the new cabinet.
Women leaders Bindhu Krishna and K.A. Thulasi will also serve as ministers, with both being first-time MLAs representing the Ezhava and SC communities, respectively. Other members of the cabinet include third-time MLA M. Liju, youth leader Roji M. John, and O.J. Janeesh, who is the Youth Congress state president.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be a significant event as the UDF commences its new term in office and aims to address the needs and expectations of the state’s diverse population.
