Congress-led UDF Sweeps Kerala Assembly Elections, Unseating LDF After Five Years

Key facts

• Counting began at 8:00 am on May 4 at 140 centers across 43 locations.
• Congress-led UDF won 58 seats, CPI(M) 26, CPI 7, IUML 20, and BJP 3.
• 13 of 21 LDF cabinet ministers were defeated, including key portfolios.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan retained his seat, along with five other ministers.
• Postal ballots accounted for 1.36% of total votes polled.
• IUML's Manjalamkuzhi Ali won Mankada seat with 110,692 votes.

A Decisive Mandate for Change

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) surged to a historic victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, ending the five-year rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Early trends released by the Election Commission of India showed the UDF leading in a majority of seats, with Congress alone securing 58 seats as counting progressed. The outcome marks a dramatic reversal for the ruling LDF, which had dominated the state's politics since 2021. The UDF's strong performance has triggered an intense internal race within the Congress party for the chief ministerial post, with senior leaders VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Chennithala emerging as key contenders.

LDF Suffers Heavy Losses, 13 Ministers Defeated

The LDF faced a major setback, with 13 of its 21 cabinet ministers losing their seats. Among those defeated were ministers holding key portfolios, reflecting widespread voter discontent. Only Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and five others—K Rajan (Revenue), G R Anil (Civil Supplies), K N Balagopal (Finance), P Prasad (Agriculture), and Saji Cherian (Cultural Affairs)—managed to retain their constituencies. The defeat of such a large number of ministers underscores the scale of the LDF's reversal. The CPI(M), the dominant partner in the alliance, secured 26 seats, while the CPI won 7. The party leadership has acknowledged the defeat and promised introspection and corrective steps.

BJP-NDA Makes Modest Gains, Secures Three Seats

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) managed to win three seats, a marginal improvement over previous elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters who supported the alliance, stating, "We will keep raising issues vital to Keralam's progress and work hard to realise vision of a Vikasita Keralam." While the NDA's tally remains small, its presence in the assembly marks a continued foothold in a state where it has historically struggled to gain traction. The party's performance will be seen as a platform for future growth.

IUML Holds Strong, Wins 20 Seats

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key UDF ally, performed strongly, winning 20 seats. In the Mankada constituency, IUML candidate Manjalamkuzhi Ali secured a decisive victory with 110,692 votes. The party's success reinforces its influence in the state's Muslim-majority regions. The IUML's strong showing contributed significantly to the UDF's overall majority, highlighting the alliance's broad-based appeal across communities.

High Stakes and Tight Security Mark Counting Day

Counting of votes for the April 9 Assembly elections began at 8:00 am on May 4 at 140 centers spread across 43 locations. Strongrooms housing electronic voting machines were opened at around 6:30 am in the presence of Election Commission observers, security personnel, and candidate representatives. The process started with the tallying of postal ballots, which accounted for 1.36% of total votes polled. Initial trends quickly indicated a UDF lead, setting the stage for a dramatic day of political change in Kerala.

Congress Internal Race for Chief Minister Intensifies

The UDF's landslide victory has sparked a fierce internal battle within the Congress party over who will become the next chief minister. Three prominent leaders—VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, and Chennithala—have emerged as key contenders, each with significant support within the party. The decision now rests with the Congress high command, which must balance regional dynamics, caste equations, and factional loyalties. The outcome will shape the new government's direction and its ability to deliver on campaign promises.

Outlook: A New Political Era for Kerala

The 2026 election results represent a seismic shift in Kerala's political landscape, ending the LDF's recent dominance and ushering in a UDF-led government. The defeat of 13 ministers signals deep voter dissatisfaction with the outgoing administration's performance. As the UDF prepares to form the next government, it faces the challenge of uniting its diverse coalition and addressing key issues such as economic stagnation, unemployment, and infrastructure development. The coming weeks will reveal whether the alliance can translate its electoral success into effective governance.

The bottom line

• The Congress-led UDF won a decisive majority, with Congress alone securing 58 seats.
• The LDF suffered a major defeat, with 13 of 21 ministers losing their seats.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan retained his seat, but his government was voted out.
• The BJP-NDA won three seats, marking a modest gain in Kerala.
• IUML won 20 seats, reinforcing its role as a key UDF ally.
• The Congress party is now engaged in an internal contest to choose its chief ministerial candidate.