Kerala's Political Earthquake: Congress Topples Left After a Decade

In a significant political shift, Kerala elects the Congress-led UDF, dethroning the Left after ten years. The election marked the BJP's successful entry into the previously Left-dominated state, securing three seats. The Congress achieved a sweeping victory amid anti-incumbency, as many Left ministers, including CPI(M)'s leaders, faced defeat.

Kerala experienced a dramatic political transformation as voters ousted the last remaining Left government in India, reinstating the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) after a decade. The BJP also marked a breakthrough, winning three seats in the state.

The Congress, enjoying power in Karnataka and Telangana as well, decisively ended the Left's five-decade-long governance streak across Indian states. The UDF captured 102 seats while the CPI(M)-led LDF managed just 35 seats out of 140 constituencies, as per Election Commission data.

The strong drive for change was evident as 13 ministers from the former ruling cabinet lost their seats. Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and V D Satheesan emerged victorious, leading the party's strategic discussions for the chief minister's role moving forward.