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Kerala's alternating pattern may continue as pollsters predict comeback for Cong-led UDF

The incumbent Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Communist Party of India (M), has been the ruling political alliance of Kerala since 2016.

Updated on: Apr 29, 2026 09:30 PM IST
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With exit poll predictions in Kerala out, all pollsters have largely projected a victory for the Congress-led UDF, with the incumbent LDF being a close second.

Kerala voted in a single phase on April 9 for the 140-seat Assembly elections. (PTI)
Kerala voted in a single phase on April 9 for the 140-seat Assembly elections. (PTI)

Axis My India predicted 78-90 seats for UDF, and between 49-62 seats for LDF. Matrize too has projected a UDF surge, giving the between 70-75 seats. Matrize has predicted 60-65 seats for the ruling LDF, and 3-5 seats for NDA.

People's Pulse has predicted 75-85 seats for UDF, and between 55-65 seats for the LDF. The pollster gave NDA between 0-3 seats. Meanwhile, P-Marq also gave UDF the edge with 70-75 seats, predicting 60-65 seats for LDF and 3-5

Preferred CM, vote share projections

Axis My India also released the projections for the preferred chief minister, and the vote share predictions for the alliances. According to the pollster, the UDF is predicted to hold the highest vote share at 44 per cent, followed by LDF at 39 per cent and NDA at 14 per cent.

For preferred chief ministers in the state, current CM Pinarayi Vijayan, of the LDF, received the highest votes at 33 per cent. The next in line was Congress's VD Satheesan at 21 per cent, followed by ‘any candidate from UDF’ at 11 per cent.

While the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government had last year managed to break the four-decade pattern of alternating governments in the state, it remains to see if he can achieve a rare historic feat for a third term. Vijayan is contesting from the Dharmadam Assembly constituency in Kannur.

LDF has, in the past, won a total of 6 elections out of 10 since the formation of the alliance in 1980.

What were the results in 2021?

LDF made history in 2021 after being elected for a second consecutive term. The alliance secured 99 seats, of which CPI(M) won 62, while the UDF got only 41 seats.

The LDF's vote share was 45.43%, while the UDF's was 39.47%. The BJP-led NDA had a vote share of 12.4%, but could not win any seats. In 2021, Pinarayi Vijayan became the first chief minister in Kerala to be re-elected, and it was the first time since 1977 that a ruling alliance won consecutively in the state.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arya Mishra

Arya Mishra is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, and a key member of the digital news team focusing on urgent breaking developments across India and the world. With a sharp editorial instinct and strong reporting skills, Arya covers high-impact crime incidents, public safety and justice issues, political developments, education policy and international affairs, consistently delivering clear, accurate and timely journalism. Her recent reporting highlights include detailed coverage of serious criminal cases, politics as well as analyses of national education reforms and international diplomatic moves. On the world news front, she has written about global trade policy changes and security developments, including tariff shifts by the United States and strategic counter-terrorism strategies being rolled out by Ministry of Home Affairs. Arya thrives in fast-paced environments – running live blogs, crafting in-depth explainers and real-time news coverage that keeps readers informed as stories evolve. Before joining Hindustan Times, she was a part of The Indian Express online team. Outside the newsroom, she is an avid reader, with a love for thriller and suspense fiction, and enjoys music as a way to unwind. With more than three years of experience in dynamic newsrooms, Arya brings curiosity, clarity and commitment to every story she covers.

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