V.D. Satheesan Takes Oath as Chief Minister of Keralam; UDF Government Announces Welfare Measures
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Dated 18th May 2026
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
Editor in Chief
Thiruvananthapuram | Congress leader V. D. Satheesan took oath as the Chief Minister of Keralam today at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram along with a 20-member cabinet, marking the beginning of the new Congress-led UDF Government in the state. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to the Congress Legislative Party leader during the swearing-in ceremony attended by senior Congress leaders, party workers and supporters.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi arrived at Trivandrum Airport and received a warm welcome from party leaders before attending the ceremony. The event marked the beginning of what the Congress party described as a new chapter for Keralam with the aspirations of millions of people at its heart.
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Soon after taking oath, the new UDF government held its first cabinet meeting and approved several major welfare measures for the people of Keralam. The government announced free KSRTC bus travel for women from June 15, a ₹3,000 honorarium hike for ASHA workers, and a ₹1,000 hike for Anganwadi teachers, cooking staff, helpers and pre-primary teachers. The cabinet also approved the creation of a dedicated Ministry for Senior Citizens.
Regarding the formation of the new Congress-led UDF Government in Keralam, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi extended his heartfelt congratulations and said, “The people of Keralam fought for this government. Their voice will guide it. Warm congratulations to V.D. Satheesan ji and the entire cabinet, who will now represent the voice of every Keralite. Thanks to K.C. Venugopal ji, who led this campaign from the frontlines. This victory belongs to every UDF worker and digital warrior who sacrificed tirelessly during this campaign. The work begins now.”
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Conveying his best wishes to the newly sworn-in government, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “As the new Congress-UDF Government is sworn in Kerala, I extend my heartiest congratulations to Shri V.D. Satheesan and to all Council of Ministers. I am confident that under the collective leadership of the Congress-UDF, Keralam will now witness true progress and future-led development.”
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Extending his greetings to the new Chief Minister and the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Congratulations to Shri V.D. Satheesan Ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Keralam. My best wishes for his tenure. The Central Government assures all possible support for the newly formed Keralam Government in fulfilling the aspirations of the people.”
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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister & KPCC President D K Shivakumar in his congratulatory message said that, “Attended the swearing in ceremony of Keralam Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan and his cabinet in Thiruvananthapuram today. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the new UDF government as it begins a new chapter for Keralam. I thank the people of Keralam for this historic mandate and I am confident that Team UDF will lead the state forward with progressive governance, inclusive development and people centric administration. Wishing them great success in serving the people of Keralam.”
Image Source : @DKShivakumar
With the swearing-in of Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan and the new Congress-led UDF Government, Kerala has entered a new political chapter focused on welfare, development and inclusive governance. The early decisions taken by the new cabinet have raised hopes among the people, while the presence and messages of national leaders reflected the importance of this political transition. The people of Keralam now look forward to a government committed to progress, public welfare and fulfilling the promises made to every section of society.
News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid
