KOCHI: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has surged to a commanding lead in Kerala in the 2026 Assembly elections. Following the completion of the first round of EVM counting, the Congress-led coalition has bypassed the majority mark with ease, currently leading in 95 seats. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has seen a dramatic collapse, relegated to leads in just 41 constituencies.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is trailing in his stronghold of Dharmadam. He currently trails the UDF’s VO Abdul Rasheed by 733 votes. The anti-incumbency wave appears to be hitting the cabinet hard, with high-profile ministers P Rajeeve and V Abdurahiman also trailing in their respective seats.In a major upset for the LDF leadership, IUML candidate Fathima Thahilya is leading against LDF Convenor TP Ramakrishnan in Perambra. Meanwhile, Mani C Kappen maintains his hold on Pala, and K Muraleedharan** is surging ahead in Vattiyoorkavu.The NDA is putting up a formidable showing, leading in four seats. Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is ahead in Nemom, while BJP State President K Surendran holds a slim lead of 110 votes in Manjeshwaram. The alliance also maintains leads in Kozhikode South, and Chathannur.As the first rounds conclude, the UDF’s momentum in Ernakulam and the Malabar region suggests a landslide in the making. If these trends hold, the LDF’s dream of a third term will be decisively shattered by a resurgent opposition.
