UDF Surges Past Majority Mark in Kerala, Unseating LDF After Decade

Key facts

• UDF crossed the halfway mark of 71 seats, leading in 83 seats as per EC trends.
• Congress won 58 seats, CPI(M) 26, IUML 20, BJP 3 as per latest EC data.
• 13 of 21 LDF ministers were defeated, including key portfolios.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan won Dharmadam with 85,614 votes, margin 19,247.
• Voter turnout was 78.27% across 140 constituencies.
• Counting began at 8:00 am at 140 centres across 43 locations.
• Postal ballots accounted for 1.36% of total votes polled.

UDF Crosses Majority Mark, LDF Suffers Heavy Losses

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has surged past the majority mark of 71 seats in the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly, leading in 83 seats.ft Democratic Front (LDF) trails with leads in 56 seats, while the BJP-led NDA has secured three seats. The outcome marks a dramatic reversal for the LDF, which had governed the state for the past five years. Celebrations erupted at the KPCC headquarters as workers burst crackers and distributed sweets when the UDF tally crossed the 100-seat mark. Congress MP Jebi Mather declared, "Going to be a great victory for Congress-led UDF." The victory ends a decade-long wait for the UDF, which last held power in 2016.

Thirteen Ministers Defeated as LDF Cabinet Decimated

Thirteen of the 21 ministers in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's cabinet were defeated, dealing a severe blow to the LDF. Among the victors were the Chief Minister himself, K Rajan (Revenue), G R Anil (Civil Supplies), K N Balagopal (Finance), P Prasad (Agriculture), and Saji Cherian (Cultural Affairs). The scale of the defeat underscores widespread voter discontent with the LDF government. Finance Minister K N Balagopal secured a narrow victory in Kottarakkara, defeating former CPI(M) leader Aisha Potty, who had joined the Congress in January. The CPI(M) stated it would introspect on the defeat and promised corrective steps.

Pinarayi Vijayan Wins Dharmadam, but LDF Trails Statewide

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan won the Dharmadam constituency with 85,614 votes, defeating Congress candidate Adv. V. P. Abdul Rasheed (66,367 votes) by a margin of 19,247 votes. BJP's K. Ranjith finished third with 18,555 votes. Despite his personal victory, the LDF's overall performance was poor. In Payyannur, independent candidate V. Kunhikrishnan won with 76,640 votes, while Mani C. Kappen won Pala with 50,799 votes. G. SudhaKaran registered the largest margin of 27,935 votes in Ambalappuzha.

BJP Makes Marginal Gains, Wins Three Seats

The BJP-led NDA secured three seats, with Rajeev Chandrasekhar winning Nemom with 57,192 votes (40.75%), defeating CPI(M)'s V. Sivankutty (52,214 votes). B.B. Gopakumar won Chathannoor with 51,923 votes, defeating CPI's Adv. R. Rajendran. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the UDF on its victory and said, "We will keep raising issues vital to Keralam's progress." Exit polls had projected a tight race, with some giving a slight edge to the UDF, but the actual result proved more decisive. Kerala has a history of defying exit poll predictions.

High Voter Turnout Reflects Active Participation

The Assembly election recorded a strong voter turnout of 78.27% across 140 constituencies, reflecting active participation. Counting of votes polled on April 9 began at 8:00 am at 140 centres across 43 locations. Strongrooms were opened at 6:30 am in the presence of Election Commission observers and candidate representatives. The contest evolved into a triangular fight with the NDA as a third force, but the final outcome hinged on narrow margins in many constituencies. The UDF's victory sets the stage for a new government after a decade of LDF rule.

Outlook: UDF to Form Government, LDF to Introspect

With the UDF crossing the majority mark, the Congress-led coalition is set to form the next government in Kerala. The LDF, which had hoped for a third consecutive term, faces a period of introspection. The CPI(M) has promised corrective steps after the defeat. The result is significant for all three alliances as they look to strengthen their presence in Kerala's changing political landscape. The UDF's victory ends a decade in opposition and reshapes the state's political dynamics.

The bottom line

• UDF wins with leads in 83 seats, ending LDF's five-year rule.
• 13 of 21 LDF ministers defeated, including key portfolios.
• Pinarayi Vijayan wins Dharmadam but LDF suffers overall defeat.
• BJP wins three seats, with Rajeev Chandrasekhar taking Nemom.
• Voter turnout was 78.27%, reflecting high engagement.
• UDF set to form government after decade in opposition.