The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won the Kerala Legislative Assembly election, returning to power after a decade of Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule.

This shift in leadership marks a significant political transition in the state, reflecting a voter desire for change after 10 years of incumbent governance.

Voting took place on April 9, 2026 [5], with results announced the following day. The UDF secured between 97 [1] and 102 seats [2] in the 140-member assembly [4]. This majority allows the alliance to form the state government and implement its legislative agenda.

The incumbent LDF suffered a substantial loss, winning 35 seats [1]. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured three seats [1].

Reports indicate that a strong anti-incumbency wave drove voters toward the UDF [3]. The scale of the victory suggests a decisive mandate against the previous administration's policies and performance over the last 10 years.

The transition of power follows a competitive face-off between the LDF, UDF, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) across the 140 constituencies [4]. With the UDF now holding a clear majority, the alliance is expected to begin the process of government formation in the state.

“The Congress-led UDF won the Kerala Legislative Assembly election, returning to power after a decade”

The UDF's victory signals a rejection of the LDF's long-term governance model in Kerala. By securing a significant majority in the 140-seat assembly, the Congress-led coalition has a mandate to pivot state policy away from the previous decade's approach, while the BJP's limited seat count indicates that the primary political contest in the state remains a struggle between the UDF and LDF.