Published May 18, 2026 | 3:42 PM ⚊ Updated May 18, 2026 | 3:42 PM
Newly sworn-in Kerala Cabinet with Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Credit: x.com/INCKerala
Synopsis: UDF returned to power in Kerala with VD Satheesan sworn in as Chief Minister and a 21‑member cabinet. The line‑up blends veterans like Ramesh Chennithala and PK Kunhalikutty with 14 first‑time ministers, including two women. The team reflects coalition balance, community representation, and a generational shift after a decade of LDF rule.
Kerala’s new UDF government under Chief Minister VD Satheesan features a 21-member cabinet sworn in on Monday, 18 May. The line-up blends seasoned Congress and IUML leaders with 14 first-time ministers, ensuring generational change, coalition balance, and community representation.
VD Satheesan (MLA, Paravur)
Age: 61
Education: BA, LLM; former lawyer.
Career: Five-time MLA, former Leader of Opposition.
Portfolios: Finance, Law, Ports.
Satheesan is known for his environmental initiatives and rebuilding Congress grassroots. His “vanavasam” vow if UDF lost became symbolic of the alliance’s comeback.
Team UDF officially took charge today at the swearing-in ceremony held at Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
United by purpose and committed to the people, we will work together tirelessly for the welfare, progress, and inclusive development of #Keralam.
With the support and… pic.twitter.com/6xklZZJpLS— V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesan) May 18, 2026
Also Read: VD Satheesan takes oath as Kerala chief minister as UDF returns to power after 10 years
Ramesh Chennithala (MLA, Haripad) – Six-time MLA, former KPCC president, ex-Home Minister. Now holds Home & Vigilance portfolios.
K Muraleedharan (MLA, Vattiyoorkavu) – Son of former CM K Karunakaran, three-time MLA. Handles Electricity & Devaswom.
AP Anil Kumar (Congress) – Experienced legislator, returns to cabinet with administrative heft.
Sunny Joseph (KPCC Chief) – Represents organisational wing, tasked with strengthening party structure.
PK Kunhalikutty (MLA, Malappuram) – Nine-time MLA, IUML stalwart, enters cabinet for sixth time.
N Samsudheen, KM Shaji, PK Basheer, VE Abdul Gafoor – Represent IUML’s strongholds. Gafoor will serve for 2.5 years before Parakkal Abdulla takes over, ensuring Kozhikode representation.
Mons Joseph (Kerala Congress–Joseph) – Senior leader, ensures Christian community representation.
Anoop Jacob (Kerala Congress–Jacob) – Chairman of KC(J), represents central Kerala constituencies.
Also Read: Kerala CM-designate VD Satheesan unveils 20-member ministry with 14 first-timers, two women
Shibu Baby John (RSP) – Former minister, labour and industrial policy expertise.
CP John (Communist Marxist Party) – Veteran socialist thinker, first-time minister.
PC Vishnunath – Youth Congress background, strong orator.
Roji M John – Former student leader, now MLA.
Bindu Krishna – One of two women ministers, Congress leader from Kollam.
M Liju – Youth Congress leader, represents new generation.
T Siddique – Known for grassroots work in Kozhikode.
KA Thulasi – Second woman minister, represents SC community.
OJ Janeesh – At 37, he is Kerala’s youngest MLA.
Total ministers: 21 (including CM).
First-time ministers: 14.
Women ministers: 2 (Bindu Krishna, KA Thulasi).
Community representation: IUML ensures Muslim League presence; Kerala Congress factions represent Christian constituencies; SC community has two representatives.
