VD Satheesan takes oath as Kerala CM, Congress returns to power after decade

Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a high-voltage political evening as Congress leader VD Satheesan prepared to take oath as Kerala’s new Chief Minister. With that ceremony, the United Democratic Front formally returned to power after spending ten years in the opposition.

The atmosphere around the venue turned festive hours before the event began. Congress workers waved party flags, beat drums and raised slogans outside the sprawling grounds in the state capital. Meanwhile, security personnel struggled to manage the growing crowds as senior leaders from across the country arrived one after another.

The UDF secured a massive mandate in the Assembly election and won 102 seats in the 140-member House. As a result, the alliance pushed the CPI(M)-led Left government out of office and reshaped Kerala’s political landscape. Many voters described the verdict as a demand for administrative change, fresh leadership and stronger economic management.

Along with Satheesan, a 20-member cabinet also prepared to take oath. Party leaders said the new ministry would focus on employment, inflation, welfare delivery and investment. In addition, Congress insiders projected the new government as a blend of experienced faces and younger leaders.

Several prominent political figures reached Thiruvananthapuram for the ceremony. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived at the venue amid loud cheers from party workers. Soon after, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the gathering and greeted senior leaders on stage.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived together and interacted briefly with local Congress leaders. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also attended the event and called the UDF victory a “major democratic shift” in the South.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reached the venue earlier in the evening. His arrival added to the growing presence of opposition leaders who treated the Kerala result as a morale booster ahead of future political battles at the national level.

Interestingly, outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shared the stage with BJP leader and Nemom MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar during the ceremony. Their brief interaction drew attention from political observers and sparked conversations among attendees at the venue.

On the ground, many residents expressed cautious optimism. Small traders near the ceremony site said they hoped the new administration would improve business conditions and create more opportunities for young people. Auto drivers and street vendors also spoke about rising living costs and unemployment, issues that dominated conversations during the election campaign.

Political analysts believe Satheesan now faces immediate pressure to convert electoral momentum into governance results. Kerala continues to battle debt concerns, migration of skilled youth and pressure on public welfare systems. Therefore, the new government may have little time before voters begin demanding visible change.

Still, Congress workers celebrated the moment as a political comeback that many in the party had waited years to witness. As lights illuminated the venue and leaders gathered on stage, supporters described the oath ceremony not just as a transfer of power, but as the beginning of a new political chapter in Kerala.