New Delhi: Despite forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms, excitement remained high in Thiruvananthapuram as United Democratic Front supporters gathered in large numbers to witness Congress leader VD Satheesan being sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala at the Central Stadium.
The swearing in ceremony marks the Congress-led UDF’s return to power in the state after a gap of ten years, fulfilling the alliance’s campaign slogan promising a UDF led government for Kerala. Along with Satheesan, a 20 member Cabinet also took oath, signalling the beginning of a new political chapter in the state.
Several senior national leaders of the Congress party attended the ceremony, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, underlining the significance of the victory for the party at the national level.
The UDF secured a commanding mandate in the Assembly elections held earlier this year, defeating the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government. In the 140 member Assembly, the Congress-led coalition won 102 seats, while the LDF was reduced to 35 seats. The BJP managed to secure three seats.
The election results, declared on May 4 after polling held on April 9, reflected a major shift in Kerala’s political landscape, ending the Left Front’s decade long rule in the state.
The announcement of the chief ministerial candidate came after days of internal discussions within the Congress party. VD Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala were among the key contenders for the top post. After nearly two weeks of deliberations, the party leadership finalised Satheesan as the consensus choice.
Satheesan, 61, served as the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly and is widely credited with rebuilding the Congress organisation at the grassroots level over the past five years. His leadership during the opposition years is seen as a major factor behind the UDF’s strong comeback and decisive electoral victory.
