Supporters began gathering at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram early on May 18 for the swearing-in of the United Democratic Front ministry. By 8 a.m., the venue had reached its capacity of 15,000 people. The event drew attention because such ceremonies in Kerala usually attract limited public interest. Attendees remained largely quiet, offering occasional applause for familiar figures. Leaders from several Congress-led states attended, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior figures such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. The presence of the outgoing chief minister on stage marked an unusual display of political courtesy. V.D. Satheesan, the new chief minister, later said he had personally invited many participants. After years in opposition, the Congress used the occasion to signal a return to power following recent electoral setbacks elsewhere. One supporter from Satheesan’s constituency traveled a long distance to attend and was invited onstage. The moment highlighted his local reputation for personal engagement, rooted in earlier relief efforts during the 2018 floods. Satheesan also announced measures to limit government spending, including continued use of existing vehicles. A brief exchange with a young resident about vehicle modifications later circulated widely online.
