Congress-led UDF sweeps Kerala, ending India's last left-wing government in five decades

Thiruvananthapuram, May 4. The 2026 Kerala Assembly results have reshuffled the state's politics. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power with 102 of 140 seats.

LDF's defeat

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) was reduced to just 35 seats. Outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan submitted his resignation to the Governor on May 5. The Congress alone won 63 seats — its best tally in 25 years.

End of left-wing government in India

It is the first time in five decades that no Indian state will have a left-wing government. The LDF had been in power in Kerala since 2016. In 1957, the state had elected the world's first democratically chosen communist government.

Reasons for defeat

Analysts point to several factors: the gold smuggling case, allegations of family politics (controversies around the CM's daughter Veena), concerns over a remittance-dependent economy, and rising state debt.

The race for CM

Within the Congress, V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala are in contention for the CM post. The party high command has called a high-level meeting; the swearing-in is likely by May 15.

Impact on national politics

For the Congress, the Kerala win is a much-needed morale boost ahead of the 2029 general elections. The party will now focus on presenting a "better governance" model in the state to strengthen its national relevance.