Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday chaired his first cabinet meeting after officially assuming office, marking the beginning of the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government in the state.
The meeting was held shortly after Satheesan and his 20-member council of ministers took oath, completing the formation of the new administration. The cabinet is expected to focus on implementing key poll promises and setting the policy direction for the coming months.
According to officials, the Chief Minister instructed his ministers to prioritise welfare-oriented governance and ensure coordination among departments. The government has also pledged to maintain a balance of social, regional, and gender representation in decision-making, reflecting its broader political commitments.
In the first cabinet sitting, discussions reportedly centred around administrative priorities and immediate governance measures. The new government is expected to roll out several welfare initiatives, including measures aimed at supporting women, workers, and marginalised communities.
The cabinet meeting comes at a politically significant moment, as the UDF returns to power in Kerala after a decade-long gap. The leadership transition has been seen as a major shift in the state’s political landscape, with expectations of policy changes in key sectors such as health, education, and social welfare.
Sources indicated that more detailed decisions on portfolio allocations and flagship schemes will be finalised in upcoming cabinet meetings. The government is also preparing for a full-scale policy roadmap to be presented in the legislative assembly soon.
The swearing-in and first cabinet meeting together signal the formal start of governance under Chief Minister Satheesan, who has emphasised inclusive development and administrative efficiency as key goals of his tenure.
Overall, the first cabinet meeting sets the tone for the new government’s approach, with a strong focus on welfare delivery and administrative stability as it begins its term in office.