Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has swept to a historic victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, with Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan on Monday, 4 May declaring the outcome a "people's revolution" and a decisive rejection of a decade of Left rule in the state.

Scale of the Mandate

The UDF crossed the 100-seat mark — a target widely mocked by rivals — with the Indian National Congress (Congress) alone securing 63 seats, its highest-ever tally in Kerala. The alliance inflicted defeats on several Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) heavyweights and made inroads into traditional Left strongholds, including Kannur, long considered a CPI-M fortress.

"Many mocked our target of crossing 100 seats, but we have achieved it," Satheesan said at a crowded press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, crediting the victory to a broad-based consolidation of voters cutting across communities, regions, and age groups.

What Satheesan Said

Addressing supporters and media, Satheesan credited national Congress leadership — including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra — for their support during the campaign. He recalled a personal promise made to then-interim Congress chief Sonia Gandhi at the time of his appointment in 2021 — that he would lead the UDF back to power.

"That promise has been fulfilled," he said, describing the UDF as a "role model for coalition politics" anchored in a secular framework. "We did not deviate from that path, and the people rewarded us."

He also noted that even sections traditionally aligned with the CPI-M had crossed over to support the UDF. "Across Kerala, beyond religion and community lines, people stood with us. This verdict reflects a collective desire for change," he said.

End of a Decade of Left Rule

Satheesan framed the result as an unambiguous repudiation of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. "For five years, we studied the failures of the government and presented clear alternatives. People have decisively voted to end a decade of Left rule," he said.

The victory marks a significant political churn in Kerala, where the LDF had held power since 2016 and was seeking an unprecedented consecutive third term. Notably, the CPI-M's reverses in Kannur — Vijayan's home turf and the party's organisational heartland — signal the depth of the swing against the incumbent.

Government Formation and What Comes Next

On the question of who will lead the new government, Satheesan indicated that the Chief Ministerial choice would be decided by the Congress high command in line with established procedures. "It will not be delayed. The UDF will take decisions collectively, just as we did during seat-sharing," he said.

He framed the mandate as both an endorsement and a responsibility, saying the UDF would focus on restoring Kerala's growth trajectory and delivering governance that meets public expectations. With the alliance now preparing to assume office, all eyes turn to New Delhi — where the Congress leadership will determine who leads the state into its next chapter.