Kerala assembly elections 2026 brought Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) back to power after a decade, ending the Left Democratic Front’s two consecutive terms in office. UDF secured 102 of the 140 assembly seats, delivering a decisive mandate that exceeded most pre-poll projections. Congress emerged as the alliance’s largest party with 63 seats, while CPI-led LDF suffered major setback, with the Marxist party reduced to 26 seats. Congress leader V D Satheesan was sworn in as chief minister, heading a 20-member cabinet that includes 14 first-time ministers, two women, and two Scheduled Caste representatives. The election also saw major defeats for the outgoing government, with 13 LDF ministers, including former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, losing their seats. Polling held on April 9 recorded a voter turnout of 78.27% across an electorate of over 2.7 crore.