Congress leader VD Satheesan will be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala at 10 am on Monday, May 18, at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, according to the latest updates.
The oath taking
ceremony is expected to be attended by senior Congress leaders, United Democratic Front allies and party workers from across the state.
Satheesan was elected as the Congress Legislature Party leader on Thursday after several rounds of discussions within the party following the UDF’s emphatic victory in the Kerala Assembly elections.
The Congress led UDF returned to power in Kerala after ten years, securing 102 seats in the 140 member Assembly. Satheesan, a six time MLA from Paravur and former Leader of Opposition, was chosen as the party’s Chief Ministerial face after consultations with the central leadership.
Six time MLA from Peravur, VD Satheesan, is set to become Kerala’s next Chief Minister after leading the Congress led United Democratic Front (UDF) to a sweeping victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The alliance secured 102 seats in the 140 member Assembly.
Satheesan, who will turn 62 later this month, was formally chosen for the top post days after the Assembly election results were declared on May 4.
Reacting to the announcement, Satheesan thanked the Congress leadership and party workers for placing their trust in him.
“I express sincere gratitude to my party, the AICC leadership.”
“I am humbled by the trust placed in me by the party and the people. They entrusted me with a huge responsibility, and I am very thankful to team UDF and the workers. I dedicate my CMship to the people of Kerala. We have promised many things, and I think we can build a team that can change Keralam.”
Describing the victory as a result of collective effort, Satheesan credited grassroots workers for standing by the party during difficult times.
“This victory belongs to the grassroot workers who stood by us when we were in the wilderness,” Satheesan told reporters, adding that “All AICC leaders called me and congratulated me”.
He also outlined his vision for the state, promising a “new era” focused on improving Kerala’s economy and addressing financial challenges.
“It will be a new era, a new Kerala that is our target, we are going through tough times, the fiscal situation of kerala is vulnerable, and we are hopeful of change,” Satheesan said.
