Kerala Sees Major Political Shift as UDF Returns to Power After 10 Years

V. D. Satheesan was sworn in today as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade in opposition.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and was attended by several top national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar were also present at the event.

The UDF secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, winning more than 100 seats in the 140-member Assembly and ending the Left Democratic Front’s 10-year rule. Political analysts say the result reflects strong anti-incumbency sentiment as well as the Congress party’s renewed organizational strength in the state.

Satheesan’s new cabinet includes 20 ministers, with 14 first-time ministers, two women representatives, and members from Scheduled Caste communities — a move aimed at projecting social and regional balance. Senior Congress leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala and K. Muraleedharan are part of the new government.

In its very first cabinet meeting, the new government announced several welfare-focused measures. These include free bus travel schemes for women and a salary increase for ASHA healthcare workers. The administration also announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged political attacks on Congress workers during the previous regime.

The transition has generated intense public discussion online. On Reddit and regional political forums, many users debated whether the UDF victory represents a demand for change or dissatisfaction with the previous government’s handling of governance and economic issues. Some supporters praised the incoming administration’s promises, while critics warned about the financial impact of welfare schemes.

The change in Kerala is being closely watched nationally because the state has traditionally alternated between the UDF and the Left alliance. Analysts believe the new government’s performance could influence broader opposition politics ahead of future national elections.