V D Satheesan was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Kerala at a ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram, marking the United Democratic Front's (UDF) return to power after a decade. The oath was administered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, with a full Cabinet of 20 ministers also sworn in. The UDF achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, winning 102 out of 140 seats, which ended the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) decade-long rule. Notable attendees included Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with various political figures from across the spectrum. Satheesan's Cabinet features key leaders from the Congress and its allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). He noted that the swift formation of the Cabinet was a historic achievement and highlighted the importance of balancing representation among social, regional, and gender lines. The new government aims to fulfill its electoral promises in phases, focusing on welfare commitments and governance, as expressed by newly sworn-in ministers. Satheesan's leadership comes after extensive discussions among UDF leaders, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the coalition's recent electoral successes.