Vijayan

Kerala's outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed surprise at the Left Democratic Front's election defeat, stating the verdict was unexpected. He pledged the LDF would function as a responsible opposition, advocating for social welfare measures. Vijayan also termed the BJP's increased seat tally in the state a serious development.

Pinarayi Vijayan's perceived despotic tendencies are blamed for the CPM-led LDF's significant electoral defeat, a stark fall from their previous strength. The article suggests this outcome signals a need for genuine introspection within the party, moving beyond superficial self-correction. Voters, it argues, rejected authoritarianism and PR tactics, indicating a desire for a return to core Left politics.

CPM's MA Baby defended Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, stating the party's defeat is a collective responsibility, not an individual's. He emphasized self-criticism and corrective measures for the entire leadership. Baby also expressed concern over the rise of right-wing forces and the BJP's gains in Kerala.

VP Abdul Rasheed, who challenged Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Dharmadam, declared his campaign a victory despite the outcome. He highlighted securing leads in areas where campaigning was unhindered, attributing Vijayan's lack of an early lead to a political failure. Rasheed asserted that massive gains were made despite alleged CPM spending and campaign obstructions.

The Congress-led UDF has returned to power in Kerala after a decade, securing 102 seats in the 140-member assembly due to a strong anti-incumbency wave against the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The BJP achieved a notable breakthrough, winning three seats, while the LDF faced a significant rout attributed to public anger over perceived authoritarianism.

VD Satheesan has been appointed the new Kerala chief minister. The Congress party announced his selection after a period of deliberation. Satheesan, a lawyer and social worker with a strong legislative background, previously served as the leader of the opposition, guiding the party's resurgence.

KK Rema, wife of slain leader TP Chandrasekharan, shared an emotional social media post. This occurred as CM Pinarayi Vijayan faced early setbacks in counting. The election results were announced on the anniversary of Chandrasekharan's death. He was murdered in 2012. Chandrasekharan had previously floated the Revolutionary Marxist Party, impacting CPM's electoral fortunes in the region.

Eminent political scientist J Prabhash explains why the Congress-led alliance won so comprehensively in Kerala and why it will need to demonstrate efficiency in governance very quickly

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has taken a commanding lead in Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections, surpassing the majority mark with 95 seats. The ruling LDF faces a significant collapse, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan trailing in his constituency. The NDA is also showing strength, leading in four seats.