Kerala Cabinet, VD Satheesan Oath Ceremony Today LIVE Updates: Predictions of a thunderstorm have refused to dampen the spirits of the United Democratic Front (UDF) cadre, which is preparing with gusto for Congress leader VD Satheesan's swearing-in as the Kerala chief minister at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium at 10 am.
Satheesan's induction as the Kerala chief minister will mark the UDF's return in the state after a decade, bringing to reality the coalition's election call - Kerala Jayikkum, UDF Nayikkum (Kerala will win, UDF will lead).
Apart from Satheesan, a full Cabinet comprising 20 ministers will also be sworn in. Senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge, are expected to be present.
The Congress-led alliance secured a decisive victory in the recently held Assembly elections, unseating the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). The results of the elections to the 140-member Assembly held on April 9 were declared on May 4, with the Congress-led UDF winning 102 seats, the LDF 35, and the BJP 3.
It took 11 days for the Congress to announce the Chief Minister-designate, with Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala in the race for the post. Satheesan (61), who served as the Leader of the Opposition for the last five years, is being credited with revitalising the party's grassroots base.
Kerala Cabinet Formation, VD Satheesan Oath Ceremony Today LIVE Updates
VD Satheesan Oath Ceremony LIVE: Rahul Gandhia, Priyanka Gandhi Leave For Kerala
VIDEO | Delhi: Congress MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi depart for Thiruvananthapuram to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected UDF government in Kerala.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 18, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/FpA0IuTc4i
Kerala Cabinet Formation LIVE: Mallikarjun Kharge Praises "Huge Mandate"
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed happiness ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, crediting the day to the huge mandate given by the people of Kerala.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "VD Satheesan is taking oath today, along with other cabinet ministers... It is an unprecedented victory, we are happy because it was such a huge mandate..." https://t.co/NuMmPNlJTb pic.twitter.com/bFRDOWGYHc
— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2026
VD Satheesan Is Kerala Chief Minister, But What Happens To Venugopal Now?
After what seemed like a lifetime in the political timeline of Kerala, the Congress has chosen VD Satheesan as the state's next Chief Minister.
Satheesan's elevation is, first and foremost, a political lesson of immense significance for every aspirant to high office across parties. The establishment may have had its preferences. The arithmetic within the system may have appeared to favour others. Yet, what ultimately prevailed was sustained political capital earned through relentless groundwork, public credibility, and organic acceptability among cadres and citizens alike.
That is why this is not just Satheesan's victory. It is also KC Venugopal's defeat. More importantly, it is a major face loss for Rahul Gandhi.
Kerala Cabinet Oath Ceremony LIVE: Stage Set, Security In Place
Preparations at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium include a massive stage for the oath-taking ceremony.
Workers are putting up temporary rain shelters and setting up seating for thousands of party workers, national political figures, and local dignitaries.
Tight security arrangements have been put in place across Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the high-profile event.
Special traffic arrangements have also been made in view of the large number of VIPs and UDF supporters expected to arrive in the city.
Kerala Cabinet Formation LIVE: VD Satheesan, 20 Ministers To Take Oath
A decade after losing power, the UDF is set to form the next government in Kerala, with Congress leader VD Satheesan taking over as the chief minister.
Along with Satheesan, the full Cabinet comprising 20 ministers is also to be sworn in at an event to be held at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
