Kerala's New Cabinet: A Blend of Experience and Fresh Faces
From Congress Veterans To First-Time MLAs: A Look At Kerala’s New Cabinet

Image: News 18
VD Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala's Chief Minister, leading a Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government after a decade. The new Cabinet features veterans like Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan alongside first-time MLAs, highlighting a mix of experience and new perspectives in governance.
- 01Ramesh Chennithala, a veteran Congress leader, has been active in politics for nearly five decades and previously served as home minister.
- 02K Muraleedharan, son of former Chief Minister K Karunakaran, has a political legacy and has served in various capacities since 1989.
- 03Bindu Krishna is a first-time MLA and a prominent woman leader in the Congress party, previously heading the Mahila Congress in Kerala.
- 04OJ Janeesh, at 37, is the youngest member of the Cabinet, having won his seat in his debut electoral contest.
- 05PK Kunhalikutty has been a significant figure in the IUML and has served in every UDF government since 1991.
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VD Satheesan was inaugurated as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday, leading the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) back to power after a decade. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, with Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath to Satheesan and his 20-member Council of Ministers. The Cabinet showcases a blend of seasoned politicians and first-time MLAs, highlighting the UDF's strategy to balance experience with new ideas. Notable figures include Ramesh Chennithala, a veteran politician and former home minister, and K Muraleedharan, who carries forward a prominent political legacy. The Cabinet also features Bindu Krishna, a first-time MLA and influential woman leader, and OJ Janeesh, the youngest member at 37. Other prominent members include PK Kunhalikutty of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), who has been influential in the UDF since 1991, and T Siddique, a two-term MLA. This new government aims to address various issues facing Kerala while leveraging the extensive experience of its senior leaders.
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The new Cabinet's composition may influence governance and policy direction in Kerala, focusing on addressing local issues and development.
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