Kerala Elections: UDF Aims to Oust LDF After Decade in Opposition
Kerala votes on Friday in a high-stakes assembly election, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) seeking to return to power after ten years. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), helmed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, faces a direct challenge, while the BJP-led NDA hopes to make its first breakthrough in the state legislature.
Key Takeaways
- Direct Fight: Primary contest is between the incumbent LDF and the opposition UDF.
- BJP’s Goal: The NDA aims to win its first-ever seat in the Kerala assembly.
- Stakes for Congress: The election is crucial for Congress to reverse recent electoral losses in the state.
- Result Date: Votes will be counted and results declared on June 4.
The Electoral Battlefield
Elections are being held for all 140 assembly seats. The Congress is contesting 87 seats within the UDF alliance, with partners like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) fighting the rest. The BJP has fielded candidates in 113 constituencies.
Context from Previous Polls
In the 2021 assembly polls, the LDF secured a strong majority with 99 seats, while the UDF won 41. The BJP failed to win any seat. The UDF is now banking on anti-incumbency against the Vijayan government, whereas the LDF is highlighting its development record.
A Test for Major Parties
This election is a critical test for the Congress’s revival in Kerala, following defeats in the 2021 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls. For the BJP, it’s an opportunity to finally enter the state assembly. The outcome on June 4 will shape Kerala’s political landscape for the next five years.
