Published May 16, 2026 | 12:57 PM ⚊ Updated May 16, 2026 | 12:57 PM
Kerala CM-designate VD Satheesan (L) and BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Credit: x.com/vdsatheesan, x.com/RajeevRC_X
Synopsis: BJP will attend the swearing-in of VD Satheesan’s UDF government in Thiruvananthapuram on 18 May, with state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar confirming participation. Congress faces challenges balancing Cabinet posts among senior leaders, youth, and allies. Meanwhile, CPI(M) named Pinarayi Vijayan Leader of the Opposition, marking a dramatic political role reversal in Kerala’s Assembly.
BJP has decided to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of the new UDF government led by VD Satheesan at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, 18 May.
The announcement was made by BJP state president and MLA-elect Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who said the invitation to the ceremony was personally extended by Satheesan.
BJP MLAs and party workers will attend the oath-taking event, he added.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar also congratulated Satheesan on being elected Chief Minister, marking his first public response after the Congress legislature party unanimously picked the senior party leader to head the new government.
While the Congress-led UDF returns to power after years in Opposition, BJP too registered a breakthrough performance in the Assembly elections by winning three seats.
Apart from Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s victory in Nemom, former Union Minister of State V Muraleedharan won from Kazhakootam, while BB Gopakumar emerged victorious from Chathannoor.
Meanwhile, indications are that BJP may choose V Muraleedharan as the leader of its legislature party in the Assembly.
Also Read: With Kerala CM question settled, Congress and allies turn to cabinet tug-of-war
Congress, which is expected to retain around 11 or 12 Cabinet positions including the CM, faces the difficult task of balancing senior leaders, factional interests, regional representation and community equations.
Among those widely considered certain or strongly placed for Cabinet berths are KPCC president Sunny Joseph, senior leaders Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and K Muraleedharan.
Several other names continue to circulate in party discussions, including PC Vishnunath, Bindu Krishna, M Liju, Chandy Oommen, VT Balram, AP Anil Kumar, T Siddique, N Shaktan, Roji M John and Mathew Kuzhalnadan.
There are also indications that the leadership wants the ministry to reflect a generational shift by accommodating younger legislators and women leaders alongside experienced hands.
The biggest uncertainty within Congress continues to surround Chennithala.
Sources close to him said he has conveyed willingness to join the government, though discussions on a suitable portfolio remain inconclusive.
His absence from Friday’s UDF meeting and decision to avoid the media fuelled speculation over his eventual role in the government.
If Chennithala stays out of the Cabinet, leaders aligned with him are expected to intensify their claim for greater representation.
The Congress leadership is also under pressure to accommodate leaders associated with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, whose influence in the ministry formation process remains significant despite Satheesan emerging as the Chief Minister.
One among the senior Congress leaders may eventually be moved to the Speaker’s post as part of the balancing exercise.
Also Read: Post rout, CPI(M) leans on Pinarayi—yet LDF’s Assembly question stays open
In a formal announcement, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan said the party’s state committee unanimously elected Pinarayi Vijayan as the leader of the legislature party. With this Pinarayi Vijayan will become the Leader of Opposition in the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly.
He will lead the opposition bench comprising 35 legislators against the treasury bench comprising 102 members.
The announcement also posed a striking political role reversal in Kerala, marking a dramatic shift from the previous Assembly term.
For years, Pinarayi Vijayan has been the axis around which the CPI(M) in Kerala revolved.
As party secretary for over a decade and later as the only leader in the state to secure consecutive terms as Chief Minister, his imprint on the party’s modern trajectory is undeniable.
