The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a decisive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, winning over 50 seats, as per trends from the Election Commission of India, and establishing a clear lead over the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra thanked voters for their “overwhelming support”, stating that the trust placed in the alliance would guide its governance over the next five years. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also described the mandate as decisive and credited party workers for a sustained campaign.
The results marked a significant setback for the LDF led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. As many as 13 of the 21 ministers in his Cabinet were defeated, reflecting the scale of anti-incumbency against the ruling front. Among the prominent losers was Health Minister Veena George.
Only six ministers, including the Chief Minister, managed to retain their seats. Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal scraped through with a narrow margin of 1,012 votes, securing 63,926 votes against his opponent.
CPI(M) State secretary M. V. Govindan said the party would review the reasons behind the defeat and take corrective steps.
The BJP registered a modest presence in the Assembly by winning three constituencies—Nemom, Kazhakuttam and Chathannoor. Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the outcome was a response to critics who had predicted zero seats for the party. V. Muraleedharan confirmed his victory from Kazhakuttam.
Within the UDF, leaders termed the verdict a rejection of the LDF government. Congress leader K. C. Venugopal said the results reflected public anger against what he described as “10 years of misrule”.
Seat-wise trends indicated that the Congress had won 52 seats and was leading in 11, while the CPI(M) had won 21 and was leading in five. The CPI secured six seats and was ahead in two, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) had won 13 seats and was leading in nine. The BJP was leading in two seats and had won one, with additional confirmed victories bringing its total to three seats.
The verdict signals a clear political shift in Kerala, with the UDF returning to power on the back of a strong mandate and a fragmented performance by the ruling Left alliance. |
