Kerala politics LIVE: Congress-led UDF locked in last-minute consultations on govt. formation

D. Satheesan with AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal after a meeting at the latter's residence, in Thiruvananthapuram on May 16, 2026.

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Nirmal Harindran

Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership appeared locked in hectic last-minute consultations among all party factions and key allies to finalise the contours of the Cabinet ahead of the government’s swearing-in on Monday (May 18, 2026). The deadline for submitting the final list of ministers to Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar expires at 2 p.m.Also read | V.D. Satheesan: The ‘Nehruvian’ revivalist According to V.D. Satheesan’s office, the Chief Minister-designate was pushing for the inclusion of women, Bindu Krishna and Shanimol Usman, in the Cabinet. He has reportedly expressed his preference for younger legislators, including Chandy Oommen and V.T. Balaram, to join the government.The rise of Satheesan: What it means for the Congress, Muslim League and Kerala politicsA decade after losing power, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is set to form the next government in Kerala, with Mr. Satheesan and his 21-member Cabinet taking take the oath of office on Monday (May 18, 2026). KPCC sources said the Congress would hold 11 portfolios, including the Speaker’s. They said the party was weighing senior leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan for the post. Follow the highlights here Published - May 17, 2026 10:56 am IST