Thiruvananthapuram, 18 May (H.S.):Marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade, V.D. Satheesan on Monday took oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala amid loud cheers and celebrations at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to Satheesan, who took the oath in the name of God and assumed charge along with his 20-member Cabinet.

The swearing-in ceremony turned into a major political gathering, drawing national and state leaders cutting across party lines. Thousands of party workers and supporters filled the stadium, creating an energetic atmosphere as the UDF formally began its new term in office following its decisive electoral victory.

The event showcased a rare display of political unity and civility, with leaders from rival political camps sharing the stage. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan was among the prominent leaders present at the ceremony. CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan, former Speaker A.N. Shamseer and CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam also attended the event.

BJP State President and Nemom MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar was present at the ceremony, adding to the cross-party representation on the occasion. Senior leaders of UDF alliance partners were also seated prominently on the dais, including Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State President Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal and Kerala Congress leader P.J. Joseph.

The ceremony also witnessed the presence of top Congress leadership from the national level. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined Satheesan and the newly inducted ministers on the stage.

Chief ministers and senior leaders from Congress-ruled states also attended the event, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

With the oath-taking ceremony completed, the focus now shifts to the new government's priorities and its roadmap for governance in Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman