c k muraleedharan

Kerala chief minister-designate V. D. Satheesan has announced his new cabinet, set to be sworn in on Monday. Prominent leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and Sunny Joseph will be part of the ministry. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been named Speaker, with Shanimol Usman as Deputy Speaker.

Chief minister-designate VD Satheesan unveiled a 21-member UDF cabinet ahead of Monday’s swearing-in ceremony in Kerala. Fourteen ministers, including Satheesan, are first-timers. The ministry includes two women and two Scheduled Caste members. Congress secured 11 berths, while IUML received five. Satheesan said the entire cabinet would take oath together for the first time in nearly six decades.

Kerala's new Congress government is set to take shape. CM-designate V D Satheesan will present the cabinet list to the governor on Sunday. Ramesh Chennithala is expected to secure key portfolios. Several other leaders are also likely to be included. Final decisions on portfolios will be made after discussions with allies.

Congress is expanding consultations to select Kerala's new chief minister, with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and leader of opposition V D Satheesan vying for the top post. The party leadership is engaging with former state presidents and other leaders to ensure the final nominee is well-received, amid speculation and potential backlash.

Kerala's next chief minister remains undecided as the Congress high command deliberates between K C Venugopal, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala. Lobbying intensifies for the top post, with leaders awaiting a final decision based on merit and political considerations. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are key in the process, urging unity and discipline.

The Congress-led UDF in Kerala is struggling to name its chief ministerial candidate over a week after winning the elections. Senior leaders are in Delhi for discussions, with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge expected to make the final decision. Ramesh Chennithala, V D Satheesan, and K C Venugopal are the frontrunners amidst internal tussle and external criticism.

The Congress is set to announce its Kerala chief ministerial pick by Sunday after consultations with newly elected MLAs and senior leaders. The party high command will make the final decision following a resolution authorizing them to choose the CM candidate. Frontrunners include V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has taken a commanding lead in Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections, surpassing the majority mark with 95 seats. The ruling LDF faces a significant collapse, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan trailing in his constituency. The NDA is also showing strength, leading in four seats.

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections are shaping into a multi-cornered battle, with 20 key constituencies defining the real contest. These seats, marked by urban change, coastal pressures, and high-profile candidates, will be decisive in determining the state's political direction.