. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress-led UDF returned to office in Kerala after a decade as six-term MLA VD Satheesan took oath as CM before a roaring crowd at Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium Monday and signalled a sharp political reset through a string of welfare measures, administrative changes and a fresh probe into a politically sensitive assault case linked to former CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023. Satheesan moved swiftly to stamp authority on administration and underline UDF’s welfare-first pitch. First cabinet meeting cleared free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15, a Rs 3,000 increase in ASHA workers’ honorarium and creation of a separate department for senior citizens, which CM described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in country. “The protection of senior citizens is essential for building a civilised society,” Satheesan said at his first press conference as chief minister. Govt also announced a white paper on Kerala’s financial health through an expert committee comprising officials and financial specialists. In another politically loaded move, cabinet ordered a reinvestigation into assault on Youth Congress and KSU activists by gunmen attached to Vijayan during Nava Kerala Yatra in Alappuzha after black-flag protests in Dec 2023. Satheesan said an SIT would probe the case, accusing previous govt of dragging feet despite court directions for reinvestigation. Cabinet also replaced top legal officers, appointing T Asaf Ali as DG of prosecution in place of TA Shaji and Jaju Babu as advocate general, replacing K Gopalakrishna Kurup. Satheesan, 61, was joined by a 20-member ministry that included PK Kunhalikutty, Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K Muraleedharan and KA Thulasi, who took oath last.About the AuthorV AyyappanV Ayyappan is a senior assistant editor with expertise in writing on diverse subjects. With a focus on railways, tourism, and ports, he has authored extensive articles over the last 25 years, showcasing in-depth knowledge and insight. Ayyappan also explores art, culture, and social history through his articles, highlighting the richness and complexity of these fields.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Time Has Come’: Suvendu’s ‘Deportation’ Warning In Bhabanipur, Vows Action Over Kolkata ViolenceDelhi High Court Denies Interim Relief To Vinesh Phogat, Wrestler Barred From Asian Games Trials“India Is Now Naxal-Free”: Home Minister Amit Shah Declares End Of Maoist Insurgency From Bastar’I Am Trapped’: Twisha Sharma’s Last Message Before ‘Dowry Death’ In Bhopal | Headlines@9’Demanded Fortuner Car, Rs 50 Lakh’: Family Claims Noida Woman Was Thrown Off Terrace Over DowryFirst Look Of India’s Bullet Train Unveiled As Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor Nears 2027 LaunchBengal Govt Forms Panels To Probe Corruption, Atrocities Against Women During TMC Regime‘Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Lazy’: Inside India’s Viral Cockroach Janta PartySuvendu Adhikari Govt Ends Religion-Based Schemes In West Bengal, Scraps State OBC List‘Gone Are The Days When…’: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Warns After Kolkata Violence123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5 am: The first words you tell yourself can shape your entire dayRubina Dilaik recalls a dark phase after her first breakup; says ‘Was deeply sad and financially broke, there were times when I was crying all the time’Idli vs Dhokla: Which is more nutritious for summer breakfastHow to make Dahi Sandwich for summer breakfastThere are only 2 countries starting with ‘Z’ and why travellers should explore them5 weekend getaways from Delhi under 500 km to escape the June heatWorld’s most culturally important rivers, and what they have in store for travellersOTT releases (May 18 to May 24): ‘Desi Bling’, ‘Jack Ryan’, ‘System’, ‘Ladies First’ lead the lineupConfused about how to remove the evil eye? Here are some remedies to get rid of negative vibes‘Queer Eye’ to Rehab Addict: Slurs, Low ratings and final chapters, every major reality TV show cancelled in 2026123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingReal Madrid CoachBrittany mahomesFifa World Cup 2026Who is aj brown wifeKolkata VIP Security CutIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026London Tube StrikeDelhi High CourtFuel Price Hike
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress-led UDF returned to office in Kerala after a decade as six-term MLA VD Satheesan took oath as CM before a roaring crowd at Thiruvananthapuram’s Central Stadium Monday and signalled a sharp political reset through a string of welfare measures, administrative changes and a fresh probe into a politically sensitive assault case linked to former CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Nava Kerala Yatra in 2023. Satheesan moved swiftly to stamp authority on administration and underline UDF’s welfare-first pitch. First cabinet meeting cleared free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15, a Rs 3,000 increase in ASHA workers’ honorarium and creation of a separate department for senior citizens, which CM described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in country. “The protection of senior citizens is essential for building a civilised society,” Satheesan said at his first press conference as chief minister. Govt also announced a white paper on Kerala’s financial health through an expert committee comprising officials and financial specialists. In another politically loaded move, cabinet ordered a reinvestigation into assault on Youth Congress and KSU activists by gunmen attached to Vijayan during Nava Kerala Yatra in Alappuzha after black-flag protests in Dec 2023. Satheesan said an SIT would probe the case, accusing previous govt of dragging feet despite court directions for reinvestigation. Cabinet also replaced top legal officers, appointing T Asaf Ali as DG of prosecution in place of TA Shaji and Jaju Babu as advocate general, replacing K Gopalakrishna Kurup. Satheesan, 61, was joined by a 20-member ministry that included PK Kunhalikutty, Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K Muraleedharan and KA Thulasi, who took oath last.