Now the Kerala government 2026 is officially set for a change. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has crossed the majority mark in the latest trends. Currently, the UDF leads in 97 out of 140 seats. Therefore, they have comfortably passed the halfway mark of 71. Meanwhile, the ruling LDF faces a major defeat after five years of power. The focus now shifts to the Congress CM face.
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The Decisive Mandate: UDF Crosses the 90-Seat Mark
Now the Election Commission of India (ECI) trends show a clear wave. The UDF is firmly on course to form the next Kerala government 2026. Therefore, the alliance has already surpassed the expectations of most exit polls.
First, the Congress party itself is leading in 58 seats. Next, its major ally, the IUML, is ahead in 23 seats. Thus, the coalition has built a very strong foundation for the new cabinet.
So the counting began with postal ballots at 8 AM. Meanwhile, EVM trends firmed up quickly in favor of the opposition. Therefore, the people of Kerala have requested a change in leadership.
Anti-Incumbency: Why the LDF Failed to Secure a Third Term
Now the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF is trailing with only 43 seats. This marks a significant defeat for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Therefore, his hope for a rare third consecutive term has ended today.
First, experts point to a strong anti-incumbency wave. Next, several controversies, including the gold smuggling case, impacted the voters’ mood. Thus, the “development narrative” was not enough to save the front.
So the people reacted to specific “anti-people policies.” Meanwhile, the UDF capitalized on issues like the Sabarimala dispute. Therefore, the mandate is a clear rejection of the Left’s recent governance.
Sunny Joseph and Jebi Mather on the Victory
Now senior Congress leaders are expressing their jubilance. State Congress president Sunny Joseph credited the win to the party’s focus on local issues. Therefore, he believes the results reflect the public’s frustration.
First, Joseph mentioned that “anti-people decisions” became major talking points. Next, Congress MP Jebi Mather noted that the UDF might even reach 100 seats. Thus, the victory is more decisive than anyone predicted.
So the party feels a sense of vindication today. Meanwhile, Mather called the mandate a “complete failure” of the CPI(M). Therefore, the UDF is preparing for a massive victory celebration.
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The NDA Inroads: BJP Opens Account in Three Seats
Now a notable development is happening in traditional Left bastions. The BJP-led NDA is leading in three seats as per early trends. Therefore, the party has made significant inroads into the state’s bipolar politics.
First, prominent leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar played key roles in the campaign. Next, V. Muraleedharan and K. Surendran focused on micro-targeting voters. Thus, the BJP has finally secured a visible presence on the counting board.
So this could change the future of Kerala’s political landscape. Meanwhile, the UDF remains the dominant force. Therefore, the BJP’s growth is a secondary but important story today.
Who Will Be the Next CM? The Top Three Contenders
Now that the victory is certain, the race for the Chief Minister’s post begins. The party high command will take a final call soon. Therefore, three prominent names are currently in the lead.
1. V.D. Satheesan First, Satheesan is the current Leader of Opposition. He is widely seen as the strongest public face of the UDF. Next, most exit polls showed him as the preferred CM candidate.
2. Ramesh Chennithala Next, Chennithala is a senior leader with a massive organizational base. He has deep experience in state politics. Thus, he remains a very strong contender for the post.
3. K.C. Venugopal Finally, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal is a potential “dark horse.” He enjoys immense influence with the high command in Delhi. Therefore, his name is being discussed seriously.
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Electoral Data: Comparing 2021 vs. 2026
Now let’s look at the numbers from the previous election. In 2021, the LDF won a comfortable 99 seats. Therefore, today’s drop to 43 seats is a massive collapse for the Left.
First, the UDF has jumped from its previous low to nearly 100 seats. Next, the voter turnout this year was 78.27 percent. Thus, the high participation worked in favor of the opposition.
So nearly 2.71 crore electors exercised their franchise on April 9. Meanwhile, the IUML has also improved its strike rate. Therefore, the coalition is in its strongest position in over a decade.
Timeline of the 2026 Kerala Assembly Polls
Now the journey to this result has been intense. The election was held in a single phase on April 9, 2026. Therefore, the state has been waiting for this day for nearly a month.
First, there were 883 candidates contesting across 140 seats. Next, counting began at 8 AM sharp this morning. Thus, the trends started becoming clear within the first two hours.
So the UDF crossed the halfway mark by 10 AM. Meanwhile, official declarations for each seat will continue until late evening. Therefore, the official change of guard will happen by tomorrow.
FAQ: Kerala Election Result and CM Selection
1. Who is winning the Kerala election 2026? Now the UDF is winning. They are leading in 97 seats as per the latest trends.
2. Who are the main candidates for Chief Minister? First, V.D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and K.C. Venugopal are the top contenders.
3. How many seats did the LDF win in 2021? So the LDF won 99 seats in 2021. However, they are down to 43 seats today.
4. What was the voter turnout in 2026? Next, the state recorded a turnout of 78.27 percent on April 9.
5. How many seats did the BJP lead in? Now the BJP-led NDA is leading in three seats in early trends.
6. When will the CM be officially announced? Finally, the Congress high command will announce the name after consulting the elected MLAs.
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