Congress Hails UDF Surge in Kerala, Calls It Victory of Unity and Strategy

New Delhi, May 2026 : Leaders of the Indian National Congress on Monday welcomed the strong lead secured by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Kerala Assembly election results, describing it as a decisive mandate driven by unity, grassroots mobilisation, and strategic leadership. At the same time, several party leaders asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has continued to lose political relevance in South India.

Reacting to the trends, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi termed the outcome a “very big victory” for the party and its workers across the country. He extended special thanks to the voters of Kerala for delivering what he described as not just a majority but a landslide mandate in favour of the UDF. Expressing confidence in the alliance’s performance, he said the coalition was on track to cross the 100-seat mark in the Assembly.

Pratapgarhi credited the victory to cohesive teamwork within the alliance and the leadership of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. He also highlighted the strategic direction provided by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with the organisational efforts of senior leader K. C. Venugopal, who played a key role in mobilising support at the grassroots level.

He further noted that the result would pave the way for another Congress-led government, adding that the party was pleased to see its footprint expand with a new Chief Minister likely to take office in Kerala. Having served as a senior observer during the campaign, Pratapgarhi said he was personally gratified by the outcome.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mettu Sai Kumar, Chairman of the Telangana Fishermen Cooperative Federation Limited, called the result a victory for Congress workers and supporters. He alleged that the BJP had attempted to misuse constitutional institutions during elections in various states, but claimed such efforts had not translated into political gains in southern India.

Sai Kumar further accused the BJP of administrative interference in other states, alleging that officials were deployed with political motives and that voter lists were manipulated. Despite these claims, he maintained that the electorate in the South continues to reject the BJP’s approach, reinforcing the party’s declining influence in the region.

Meanwhile, All India Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba said the party’s focus remained firmly on Kerala, where the alliance’s strong showing has positioned it to form the next government. She pointed out that while the Congress did not previously govern any of the five poll-bound states, the current results clearly indicate a turnaround in Kerala.

Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph also expressed gratitude to voters and party leadership. Thanking the people of the state and the All India Congress Committee (AICC), he described the outcome as a “thumping victory.” He compared the mandate to the UDF’s strong performance in the recent local body elections, suggesting a consistent shift in voter sentiment.

As counting continues, the Congress and its allies are increasingly confident of forming the next government in Kerala, marking a significant political moment for the party in the southern state.