Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Satheesan Government Struggles for Direction After Kerala’s First 100 Days
Kerala’s new Congress-led government has completed its first 100 days.
It has not yet made as many major policy decisions as some people expected.
Disagreements inside the ruling alliance have slowed decisions about education, the Waqf Board and government appointments.
Opposition parties have criticised the government from different directions.
The CPI(M) says it is too close to the Sangh Parivar, while the BJP says it depends too much on Muslim organisations.
The government has started an anti-drug campaign called Operation Toofan.
It has also introduced free bus travel for women on ordinary state-run bus services.
The chief minister regularly speaks to the media and has tried to make the government more accessible.
However, he still faces disputes within his party, financial problems and questions about how strongly he controls the government.
The Congress-led UDF government has yet to establish a clear policy and administrative direction.
Internal coalition differences have delayed decisions on PM SHRI, the Waqf Board and appointments.
Opposition parties have accused the government of either Sangh Parivar influence or excessive reliance on Muslim organisations.
Operation Toofan and free bus travel for women are among its most visible initiatives.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan has projected an accessible style but faces organisational, financial and political challenges.
- Who
- The Congress-led United Democratic Front government, headed by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, along with its coalition partners and opposition parties.
- What
- A review of the government’s first 100 days, including delayed decisions, political controversies and selected welfare and law-enforcement initiatives.
- When
- During the government’s first 100 days in office.
- Where
- Kerala, India.
- Why
- The government is struggling to formulate policy and assert political and administrative authority amid coalition differences, organisational constraints and financial pressures.
Opposition Criticism
Government’s Positive Record
Policy direction and cohesion
Opposition Criticism
Critics say the government lacks cohesion and direction, with coalition disagreements delaying major decisions and appointments.
Government’s Positive Record
The government’s first 100 days included visible initiatives and a more accessible style of functioning, including regular media briefings by the chief minister.
Ideological orientation
Opposition Criticism
The CPI(M) alleges that the government is being driven by the Sangh Parivar, citing Vande Mataram at the swearing-in ceremony, an election commissioner appointment and its position on Waqf Board membership.
Government’s Positive Record
The government initially moved toward implementing PM SHRI and submitted that the Waqf Board would follow the amended law, while later putting PM SHRI on hold after protests from Muslim organisations.
Influence within the ruling coalition
Opposition Criticism
The BJP says the government is heavily influenced by Muslim organisations, particularly the Indian Union Muslim League.
Government’s Positive Record
The government’s coalition includes the Indian Union Muslim League, and its decisions have also faced opposition from within the Congress and other alliance partners.
Performance and welfare
Opposition Criticism
Critics point to controversies over appointments, the use of a state-leased helicopter for a private visit and the absence of a financial-crisis roadmap.
Government’s Positive Record
Operation Toofan has received broad social acceptance, while free bus travel for women has strengthened the government’s welfare credentials.
- Government
- Congress-led United Democratic Front government headed by V D Satheesan.
- Assembly result
- The United Democratic Front won 102 of Kerala’s 140 Assembly seats.
- Delayed matters
- Decisions on PM SHRI, Waqf Board reconstitution, ministerial private secretaries and government bodies faced delays or reversals.
- Anti-drug campaign
- Operation Toofan is being led by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
- Women’s transport benefit
- Women received free travel on ordinary services operated by the state-run transport corporation.
- Governor’s intervention
- Governor Rajendra Arlekar summoned senior bureaucrats and convened meetings with them.
- Financial challenge
- The government has yet to present a clear roadmap for addressing Kerala’s financial crisis.