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Kerala Opens New Political Chapter with Dedicated Artificial Intelligence Portfolio

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan taking oath as the 13th Chief Minister of the state at the Raj Bhavan ceremony.
May 21, 2026 01:27 PM IST | Written by Neelam Sharma | Edited by Vaibhav Jha

Kerala has become the first state in the country to create a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) portfolio at the cabinet level, signalling the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s push towards technology-led governance and industrial growth.

The decision was announced through an official Gazette notification issued on May 20, days after the Congress-led UDF assumed power in the state after ending a decade-long Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule. Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader P K Kunhalikutty has been entrusted with the newly created AI portfolio along with Industries and Commerce, Information Technology, Start-ups, Mining and Geology, and Handlooms and Textiles.

Political observers see the move as a strategic attempt by the Kerala government to position the state as a major hub for emerging technologies, innovation and digital investment. By placing AI under the Industries and Commerce department, the government appears keen on linking artificial intelligence with economic development, start-up expansion and industrial modernization.

 

Chief Minister VD Satheesan, who took oath earlier this week as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister, has retained several key departments including Finance, Ports, Law, Pollution Control, Airports, Metro Rail and Railways. Soon after the swearing-in ceremony, Satheesan chaired his first cabinet meeting, focusing on implementing the UDF’s major election promises.

The cabinet reshuffle also saw senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala being assigned the Home department along with Vigilance, Fire and Rescue Services and Prisons. K Muraleedharan will head Health and Medical Education, while Sunny Joseph has been given Electricity, Environment and Parliamentary Affairs.

Tourism and Culture have been allotted to PC Vishnunadh, while Agriculture and allied sectors will be overseen by T Siddique. Labour, Women and Child Development and Animal Husbandry have gone to Bindhu Krishna.

The creation of a standalone AI portfolio comes at a time when several Indian states are competing to attract technology investments and build digital infrastructure. Kerala’s latest move is expected to strengthen its ambitions in AI-driven governance, innovation and future industries.

Also Read: Important for Teachers to Learn AI: India’s Education Secretary to AI FrontPage

Authors

  • Neelam Sharma, reporter at AI FrontPage

    Neelam Sharma is a passionate storyteller, and journalist with over a decade of experience across leading Indian media houses.
    Known for her calm presence on screen and powerful storytelling off it, Neelam brings a rare blend of credibility, creativity, and empathy to journalism. Her strength lies in ground reporting and research-driven narratives that connect with the heart of the audience. Whether covering social issues, human-interest features, or breaking news, she combines factual depth with a human touch—making every story not just informative.

    LinkedIn
  • Vaibhav Jha, editor and co-founder at AI FrontPage

    Vaibhav Jha is an Editor and Co-founder of AI FrontPage. In his decade long career in journalism, Vaibhav has reported for publications including The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and The New York Times, covering the intersection of technology, policy, and society. Outside work, he’s usually trying to persuade people to watch Anurag Kashyap films.

    LinkedIn

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