The 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly’s swearing-in ceremony commenced on Thursday morning, following significant political changes in the state. Pro Tem Speaker G. Sudhakaran, appointed by Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, initiated the proceedings at 9 a.m. Legislators took their oaths in alphabetical order, starting with Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor of the Indian Union Muslim League.
Thursday’s session highlighted the remarkable shift in Kerala’s political landscape after the April 2026 Assembly elections. The ruling side, led by the Congress-led UDF, saw a record 102 legislators, exuding confidence and jubilation. In contrast, the opposition, comprising mainly the Left Democratic Front and BJP members, appeared subdued with significantly fewer seats.
The Left Democratic Front faced a substantial setback, losing a significant number of seats compared to the previous Assembly. Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s tenure was widely perceived as centralized and arrogant, contributing to the voter backlash. While Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan holds the 105th position, Vijayan is listed at 133. The morning also witnessed symbolic gestures, such as BJP leaders walking together to the Assembly and a Congress legislator arriving on a bicycle.
