CPI(M)-led LDF set for historic return to power; UDF dismantled, no BJP MLA in Assembly

The trend shows that the LDF is all set to make history by retaining power, the first state government in Kerala in the last 40 years to buck the trend of the state unseating an incumbent government in every five years.

CM Vijayan during an election campaign ahead of the assembly elections in Kerala. (File Photo)

The ruling CPI(M)-led LDF is set for a historic return to power, trends from the Election Commission at 5 pm show. Out of the 140 Assembly seats, the LDF is currently leading in 99 seats out of which it has won many. The Opposition UDF, which won 47 seats, is down by six seats. The BJP, which had one seat in the outgoing Assembly, is not likely to have an MLA in the Assembly.

By getting re-elected, the LDF is all set to make history by becoming the first state government in Kerala in the last 40 years to buck the trend of the state unseating an incumbent government in every five years. In the assembly elections in 2016, the LDF had bagged 91 seats
.
A party-wise trend shows the CPI (M) was leading in 57 seats, the CPI in 16, the Congress in 24 and the IUML in 17. The CPI (M) has gained a clear upper hand in North Kerala’s Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode and Palakkad districts. In Thrissur, LDF is leading in all 13 constituencies.

Follow Kerala Assembly election result 2021 LIVE updates

The CPI(M) seemed to make gains in Central Kerala, particularly in Kottayam district, where the party is heavily banking upon its new ally Kerala Congress (M), which had been a long-standing ally of the Congress.

However, KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani was defeated by his UDF rival Mani C Kappan in Pala, when KC (M) was leading in many constituencies in Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts.

Except for J Mercykutty Amma, who is trailing in Kundara, all the ministers in the outgoing cabinet who contested elections are set for victory. In particular, Health Minister KK Shailaja is reported to have won from Mattannur by over 60,000 votes, possibly the highest margin in this election.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More