UDF surge signals historic Kerala shift as Left falters, Vijayan trails and ministers struggle in tight counting rounds…reports Asian Lite News
Kerala appears headed for a major political shift as early counting trends in the Assembly elections on Monday point to a decisive victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), ending the decade-long rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
By the end of the third round of counting, trends showed the UDF comfortably ahead, while the LDF struggled to maintain its earlier dominance. In a significant setback for the ruling alliance, Chief Minister Vijayan was himself trailing in Dharmadam constituency, highlighting the scale of the reversal.
Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan also experienced a fluctuating start, briefly trailing before moving ahead as counting progressed, reflecting the volatility seen in several constituencies during the early rounds.
In the outgoing 140-member Assembly, the LDF held a strong majority with 98 seats, while the UDF remained in opposition and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) failed to make a significant breakthrough. However, the current trends indicate a sharp turnaround.
The UDF is now leading in around 99 seats, crossing the majority mark, while the LDF is ahead in just 40 constituencies. The NDA is ahead in one seat, according to the latest available figures.
The scale of the setback for the Left is further reflected in the performance of its cabinet ministers, with 15 out of 21 ministers trailing in their respective constituencies. Even in traditional strongholds such as Kannur, the LDF has faced unexpectedly tight contests, although it continues to hold narrow leads in a few areas.
Several constituencies remain closely contested, with small margins that could still influence the final outcome as counting continues. However, analysts suggest that the UDF is well placed to secure a landslide victory, potentially crossing the 100-seat mark.
The emerging verdict signals a possible political reset in Kerala, with voters appearing to favour change after two consecutive terms of Left rule. Counting is continuing under tight security across the state.
