The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected members of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly witnessed a mix of simplicity, symbolism, and political messaging as MLAs arrived at the Assembly complex in Thiruvananthapuram using different modes of transport — including walking, bicycles, and personal vehicles.
Among the most talked-about arrivals was Chandy Oommen, son of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who reached the Assembly on a bicycle wearing a shirt carrying his father’s image. The gesture drew public attention because Oommen Chandy had extensively used a bicycle during his election campaign, symbolising accessibility and close public interaction.
Meanwhile, the three BJP MLAs — Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. Muraleedharan, and B. B. Gopakumar — arrived on foot along with party workers and supporters after paying floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Column in Palayam.
Most other legislators arrived in official or personal vehicles before the proceedings began. By around 9 am, the majority of MLAs had taken their seats inside the Assembly hall ahead of the oath-taking ceremony administered by Pro-tem Speaker G. Sudhakaran.
The ceremony formally marked the beginning of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly following the 2026 Assembly elections, in which the Congress-led UDF secured a massive victory with 102 seats, while the LDF won 35 seats and the BJP opened its account with three seats.
Earlier this week, V. D. Satheesan and his 21-member cabinet were sworn in at a grand ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, officially bringing the UDF back to power in Kerala after a decade.
Political observers noted that the various modes of arrival reflected attempts by leaders to project simplicity, environmental awareness, and closer public connection at a time when rising fuel prices and economic concerns remain major public issues.
The Assembly session also witnessed heavy security arrangements and large public interest as Kerala entered a new political phase under the Satheesan-led government.
