Lok Bhavan has reportedly expressed displeasure over the seating arrangements at the swearing-in ceremony of the VD Satheesan-led cabinet, after more people than expected were accommodated on the stage despite protocol concerns from the Governor’s office.

According to the discussion in the video, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar had indicated that only the incoming chief minister, ministers, the Governor and the chief secretary should be seated on the main stage. The concern was tied to stage protocol, security and the precedent usually followed during official state functions.

The issue reportedly escalated after requests were made to seat senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, on the stage. Police had also raised concerns that seating high-security leaders in the front rows of the audience could create security complications. Eventually, additional chairs were allowed with a warning that there should be no security lapse.

However, Lok Bhavan was said to be unhappy after the final arrangements included more chairs than expected and a large number of people entered the stage area. The Governor reportedly conveyed his displeasure to VD Satheesan during the tea gathering that followed the ceremony.

The ceremony also drew attention for the absence of several prominent leaders. AK Antony was said to be resting due to health reasons, while Shashi Tharoor was abroad. Former KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran and SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan were also among those who did not attend.

The large turnout created pressure across Thiruvananthapuram, with hotels reportedly filling up and many party workers struggling to find rooms or transport near the venue. Supporters who arrived from the Malabar region by bus and train were said to have walked from different parts of the city toward Central Stadium.

The video also highlights the new cabinet’s early announcements, including free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15, the creation of a special department for senior citizens, a first-stage pay hike for ASHA workers, and increases for anganwadi workers, cooking workers, pre-primary teachers and ayahs.

Other decisions mentioned include a special Assembly session for MLA oath-taking and Speaker election, the appointment of G Sudhakaran as pro-tem Speaker, new appointments for Advocate General and Director General of Prosecution, and a special investigation team for the Alappuzha protest assault case linked to the Navakerala Sadas period.

The government also indicated that a white paper on Kerala’s financial position would be prepared with expert input. The message from the first cabinet briefing was that several welfare promises would begin in stages, while larger financial commitments would be reviewed after assessing the state’s fiscal position.