The swearing-in ceremony of the new Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, under Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan, is set to take place at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. This event signifies the UDF’s return to power in Kerala after a ten-year gap, following their significant win in the Assembly elections.
Key Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with chief ministers from Congress-ruled states, are expected to grace the ceremony. A day before assuming office as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala, Satheesan met with Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, also known as Cleemis Bava, who currently holds significant positions in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
Satheesan expressed gratitude for the blessings and good wishes from Cardinal Cleemis Bava, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance, community respect, and Kerala’s development. The new administration, comprising a 21-member cabinet, is anticipated to see the Congress securing 11 ministerial positions, including the Chief Minister’s role. Additionally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is likely to receive five ministerial positions, with names like P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Shamsuddeen, and Parakkal Abdulla being considered.
The final cabinet makeup will shed light on the power-sharing dynamics within the UDF government before the swearing-in ceremony on Monday.
