Thiruvananthapuram: The newly sworn-in Kerala government led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has officially announced the cabinet portfolio distribution for 2026, outlining the responsibilities of ministers in the new United Democratic Front (UDF) administration.
The much-awaited allocation reveals that the Chief Minister will directly handle several crucial departments, including General Administration, Planning, IT, Science & Technology, Environment, and Personnel.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has been entrusted with the powerful Home portfolio, along with Vigilance and Excise, making him one of the most influential members of the cabinet.
The portfolio announcement comes days after the UDF returned to power in Kerala, ending the Left Democratic Front’s decade-long rule.
Kerala Cabinet 2026: Full Minister Portfolio List
| Minister | Portfolio / Department |
|---|---|
| V. D. Satheesan | General Administration, Planning & Economic Affairs, IT, Personnel & Administrative Reforms, Science & Technology, Environment, Election Affairs, NORKA |
| Ramesh Chennithala | Home Affairs, Vigilance, Excise, Prisons, Fire & Rescue Services |
| K. C. Joseph | Finance, Commercial Taxes |
| P. K. Kunhalikutty | Public Works Department (PWD), Tourism |
| Shafi Parambil | Local Self Government, Rural Development |
| Mathew Kuzhalnadan | Industries, Law, Coir |
| Roji M. John | Health, Family Welfare |
| Rahul Mamkootathil | Transport, Motor Vehicles Department |
| Aryadan Shoukath | Education, Culture |
| Anoop Jacob | Food & Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs |
| Mons Joseph | Water Resources, Housing |
| Chandy Oommen | Agriculture, Animal Husbandry |
| N. Shamsudheen | Fisheries, Ports, Museums |
| Kadannappally Ramachandran | Devaswom, Parliamentary Affairs |
| K. Babu | Forest, Wildlife Protection |
Kerala Ministers List 2026 in PDF
Political Significance
The cabinet formation reflects an attempt by the UDF leadership to balance regional representation, community equations, and generational leadership within the alliance.
Several younger faces have received major portfolios, signaling a shift toward a more youth-oriented administration. At the same time, experienced leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and P.K. Kunhalikutty continue to hold strategically important departments.
Follow TJP Whatsapp ChannelPolitical observers believe the allocation of Home Affairs to Chennithala indicates the Congress leadership’s emphasis on administrative control and governance stability in its first term back in office.
The Kerala cabinet is expected to hold its first full meeting later this week, where immediate priorities such as state finances, welfare implementation, and infrastructure development are likely to be discussed.
