Kolkata, 18 May (H.S.): Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday congratulated the newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala after it assumed office under the leadership of V. D. Satheesan.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Mamata Banerjee extended her best wishes to the new Chief Minister and his government.

“Congratulations to the UDF government led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, which took oath in Kerala today. Best wishes to the new government for great success in serving the people of Kerala,” she wrote.

V. D. Satheesan, a senior Congress leader and prominent face of Kerala politics, took oath as Chief Minister at a ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

With the swearing-in of the new ministry, the Congress-led UDF alliance has returned to power in Kerala after nearly a decade, defeating the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the recent Assembly elections.

Satheesan had played an active role in Kerala politics over the past several years, particularly as the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.

The UDF secured a clear majority in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, paving the way for the formation of the new government.

Several national political leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony. Political observers believe the UDF’s return to power in Kerala is being viewed as a significant political boost for the Congress at the national level.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh