VD Satheesan sworn in as Kerala CM; 21 ministers take oath — portfolios and educational qualifications

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM May 18: V D Satheesan today took oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala along with his full Council of Ministers in Thiruvananthapuram. Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Satheesan submitted the final list of ministers to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The ceremony marked the return of the UDF government to power after the alliance secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections. Leaders from the Congress, IUML, RSP and Kerala Congress factions were inducted into the 21-member Cabinet in the presence of senior political leaders and party workers.

Full UDF Cabinet under CM VD Satheesan
V D Satheesan
Age: 61
Education: BA, LLM
Constituency: Paravur
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Finance, Law and Ports
Satheesan led the UDF’s campaign against the ruling LDF with aggressive issue-based attacks and anti-incumbency mobilisation. His “vanavas” remark — promising political exile if the UDF failed to win — became a defining moment of the campaign and symbolised the alliance’s comeback.

K Muraleedharan
Age: 69
Education: BA
Constituency: Vattiyoorkavu
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Electricity and Devaswom
A senior Congress leader and strong Satheesan supporter, Muraleedharan returns to handle the power sector after previously serving briefly in the same department in 2004.

Ramesh Chennithala
Age: 69
Education: BA
Constituency: Haripad
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Home and Vigilance
Initially reluctant to join the ministry after missing out on the chief ministership, Chennithala eventually accepted a key role following intervention by the Congress leadership.

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
Age: 80
Education: LLB
Constituency: Kottayam
Party: Congress
Post: Speaker
A veteran legislator since 1991, Thiruvanchoor was chosen Speaker, reflecting his long parliamentary experience and influence within the UDF.

T Siddique
Age: 51
Education: LLB
Constituency: Kalpetta
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Forest
Siddique’s induction is seen as part of Congress’ effort to strengthen Muslim representation in Malabar beyond the IUML.

Shanimol Osman
Age: 59
Education: MA, LLB
Constituency: Aroor
Party: Congress
Post: Deputy Speaker
Her return to the Assembly marks a political comeback and strengthens the Satheesan camp within the Congress.

A P Anil Kumar
Age: 61
Education: Pre-degree
Constituency: Wandoor
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Health
A trusted ally of KC Venugopal, Anil Kumar’s inclusion also boosts Scheduled Caste representation in the Cabinet.

M Liju
Age: 46
Education: LLB
Constituency: Kayamkulam
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Excise
Liju’s elevation reflects Congress’ attempt to project younger leaders while balancing community representation.

Shibu Baby John
Age: 62
Education: BTech
Constituency: Chavara
Party: RSP
Portfolio: Agriculture
The former labour minister’s return marks a political revival for both him and the RSP within the UDF.

Bindhu Krishna
Age: 53
Education: LLM
Constituency: Kollam
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Women and Child Welfare
Her induction strengthens women’s representation and the Ezhava presence in the ministry.

N Samsudheen
Age: 56
Education: LLB
Constituency: Mannarkkad
Party: IUML
Portfolio: General Education
A four-time MLA, Samsudheen is known for his accessibility and strong grassroots connect.

K A Thulasi
Age: 52
Education: MA, MPhil
Constituency: Kongad
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Welfare of SC/ST
A first-time MLA, Thulasi scored a major upset by capturing a long-time CPM stronghold.

Mons Joseph
Age: 62
Education: LLB
Constituency: Kaduthuruthy
Party: Kerala Congress
Portfolio: Water Resources and Irrigation
His inclusion reflects Kerala Congress (Joseph)’s continued influence within the UDF alliance.

O J Janeesh
Age: 37
Education: LLB
Constituency: Kodungallur
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Youth Welfare
A former Youth Congress leader, Janeesh is among the youngest faces in the Cabinet.

C P John
Age: 68
Education: LLB
Constituency: Thiruvananthapuram
Party: CMP
Portfolio: Labour
A long-time Left dissident, CP John’s induction is viewed as recognition of his decades-long political journey.

P C Vishnunadh
Age: 48
Education: BCom
Constituency: Kundara
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Cooperation and Culture
Vishnunadh represents the younger generation the Congress is trying to promote in Kerala politics.

P K Basheer
Age: 66
Education: SSLC
Constituency: Eranad
Party: IUML
Portfolio: Public Works
A grassroots leader with strong cadre support, Basheer’s inclusion followed sustained pressure from party supporters.

Anoop Jacob
Age: 48
Education: BA, LLB
Constituency: Piravom
Party: Kerala Congress (Jacob)
Portfolio: Food and Civil Supplies
Anoop returns to the ministry after previously serving in the Oommen Chandy Cabinet.

Roji M John
Age: 43
Education: MPhil
Constituency: Angamaly
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Transport
A third-term MLA, Roji gained prominence as an active opposition voice between 2021 and 2026.

K M Shaji
Age: 55
Education: BBM
Constituency: Vengara
Party: IUML
Portfolio: Local Self-Government
Known for his strong oratory skills, Shaji remains one of the IUML’s most recognisable leaders.

V E Abdul Gafoor
Age: 49
Education: LLB
Constituency: Kalamassery
Party: IUML
Portfolio: Minority Welfare and Waqf
His victory over former minister P Rajeeve expanded IUML’s influence in southern Kerala.

P K Kunhalikutty
Age: 74
Education: BCom
Constituency: Malappuram
Party: IUML
Portfolio: Industries and IT
One of the most influential IUML leaders, Kunhalikutty recorded a massive victory margin in the 2026 elections.

Sunny Joseph
Age: 73
Education: LLB
Constituency: Peravoor
Party: Congress
Portfolio: Revenue
The KPCC president’s Cabinet entry was widely expected given his growing influence within the state Congress leadership.