Historic verdict in Kerala: UDF storms to power with over 100 seats, Left loses Its last stronghold

The Kerala Assembly elections delivered a historic and sweeping mandate in favour of the United Democratic Front (UDF), bringing an end to the decade-long rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). The UDF crossed the majority mark decisively, winning over 100 seats in the 140-member Assembly.

The UDF has thus reclaimed power in the state with a resounding and decisive victory, marking a major political shift after 10 years of Left rule.

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Public dissatisfaction over governance, financial management, and persistent corruption allegations had been building for years, eventually reaching a tipping point. This provided the UDF with a significant opportunity to position itself as a credible alternative.

The alliance also successfully rebuilt its core social coalition, with Muslim and Christian minorities consolidating behind it—both as a response to local discontent with the LDF and to counter the national influence of the BJP.

Political observers believe that Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan effectively projected the UDF as a disciplined and cohesive front, in contrast to its earlier image of internal factionalism.

On the other hand, the CPI(M) appeared weakened by internal dissent, with sidelined and expelled party veterans contesting as Independents—many of them backed by the UDF—and drawing significant support from traditional Left voters.

Several key LDF cabinet ministers, including Veena George, M.B. Rajesh, O.R. Kelu, R. Bindu, J. Chinchurani, P. Rajeev, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, V.N. Vasavan, V. Sivankutty, V. Abdurahiman, A.K. Saseendran, and Roshy Augustine, lost their seats in the sweeping UDF victory.

The wins of CPI(M) rebels G. Sudhakaran in Ambalapuzha, V. Kunhikrishnan in Payyannur, and T.K. Govindan in Taliparamba—contest­ing as UDF-backed Independents—signal a major shift in Kerala’s political landscape, breaking long-standing Left strongholds.

Former minister G. Sudhakaran defeated sitting CPI(M) MLA H. Salam by over 20,000 votes in Ambalapuzha. In Payyannur, V. Kunhikrishnan ended the CPI(M)’s uninterrupted winning streak since 1967 by defeating T.I. Madhusoodanan by 7,487 votes. Meanwhile, T.K. Govindan scored a significant upset in Taliparamba, defeating CPI(M) candidate P.K. Shyamala, wife of CPI(M) Kerala secretary M.V. Govindan.

In Payyannur, Kunhikrishnan’s campaign emerged as a direct challenge to corruption. He had earlier raised internal allegations regarding the misappropriation of a martyr’s relief fund. The party’s decision to act against the whistleblower while protecting the accused alienated cadres, many of whom expressed their resentment through the ballot.

Similarly, T.K. Govindan had resigned in protest against the CPI(M)’s decision to field P.K. Shyamala, arguing that it violated the party’s internal norms and promoted nepotism—an issue that resonated strongly with grassroots workers.

Assessing the BJP’s performance, the party managed to convert its rising vote share into seats, overcoming Kerala’s long-standing bipolar political structure to elect three MLAs to the Assembly. However, its efforts to translate outreach among Christian communities into electoral success in central Kerala fell short. This was evident in Anoop Antony’s defeat in Thiruvalla and Union Minister George Kurian finishing third in Kanjirappally.

With the Left now out of power in its last remaining stronghold, serious questions arise about its future in India, particularly for the CPI(M). Following its earlier losses in West Bengal and Tripura, the defeat in Kerala marks a significant moment in the decline of Left politics nationally. In both states, the BJP emerged as a major political beneficiary after the erosion of Left dominance—a trend that may have broader implications going forward.