Kerala UDF Cabinet 2026: The United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala is set to form its new government with a 21-member ministry, including Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan. In what has been described as one of the quickest cabinet formation decisions in Congress history, the full list of ministers has already been submitted to the Governor ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 10:00 AM.
V.D. Satheesan stated that the new cabinet reflects a mix of experience and fresh leadership, with social representation, regional balance, and political considerations playing a key role in the final selections.
Speaking to the media, Satheesan said many deserving leaders could not be accommodated despite their eligibility.
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“We had many qualified leaders, but with limited positions available, difficult decisions had to be made while considering social and regional balance,” he said.
Major Highlights of the New UDF Cabinet
- Total strength of the ministry: 21 members, including the Chief Minister
- 14 members are first-time ministers
- Two women are included in the cabinet structure
- Two representatives from SC communities were included for the first time in recent Congress cabinet history
- Cabinet portfolios are almost finalized, with minor changes still possible
- Final department allocation will be officially announced after the Governor’s approval and Gazette notification
Satheesan also stressed that the government would focus on fulfilling public expectations and youth aspirations.
He stated that criticism should be welcomed in a democracy and invited media scrutiny, saying no government should be above criticism.
Kerala UDF Cabinet 2026: Ministers List and Departments
Chief Minister
- V. D. Satheesan – Department allocation awaited
Cabinet Ministers
- P.K. Kunhalikutty – Department awaited
- Ramesh Chennithala – Department awaited
- Sunny Joseph – Department awaited
- K. Muraleedharan – Department awaited
- Mons Joseph – Department awaited
- Shibu Baby John – Department awaited
- Anoop Jacob – Department awaited
- C.P. John – Department awaited
- A.P. Anil Kumar – Department awaited
- N. Shamsudheen – Department awaited
- P.C. Vishnunath – Department awaited
- Roji M. John – Department awaited
- Bindu Krishna – Department awaited
- M. Liju – Department awaited
- K.M. Shaji – Department awaited
- P.K. Basheer – Department awaited
- V.E. Abdul Gafoor – Department awaited
- T. Siddique – Department awaited
- K.A. Thulasi – Department awaited
- O.J. Janeesh – Department awaited
Assembly Positions
- Speaker: Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
- Deputy Speaker: Shanimol Usman
Speaker and Deputy Speaker
The UDF leadership has also finalized important Assembly positions:
- Speaker: Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
- Deputy Speaker: Shanimol Usman
- Chief Whip: To be announced by Kerala Congress leadership
Fresh Faces Become Key Attraction
One of the biggest talking points of the new cabinet is the inclusion of a large number of fresh faces. Although many of these leaders have extensive legislative and political experience, this will be their first opportunity to serve as ministers.
The UDF leadership believes the inclusion of new faces will bring fresh ideas and energy into governance.
Message From V.D. Satheesan
Addressing the media, Satheesan emphasized that his government would prioritize people over political optics.
He also rejected speculation regarding internal group pressure in minister selection and said the decisions were taken collectively after consultations with senior leaders.
He further stated that his administration would remain open to criticism and correction.
“A Chief Minister is not beyond criticism. If there are mistakes, point them out, and we will correct them,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to witness the presence of several national political leaders and chief ministers from Congress-ruled states, making it one of Kerala’s most closely watched political events of the year.
