Kerala Verdict Reflects Demand for Change, Says K.C. Venugopal as UDF Crosses 100-Seat Mark

Thiruvananthapuram, May 2026 : Calling the Assembly election outcome a clear reflection of shifting public sentiment, senior Congress leader K. C. Venugopal on Monday said the results affirm the opposition’s assessment of a strong pro-change wave across Kerala.

According to the latest trends, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has surged ahead with leads in 102 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) trails in 36 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has managed to secure two seats, including the high-profile Nemom constituency.

Venugopal said the outcome validates what the Congress and its allies had sensed during the campaign. “We consistently maintained that a wave was building. Even when exit polls suggested otherwise, we were confident of crossing 100 seats,” he said, adding that the party’s projections were based on extensive feedback from grassroots workers and voters.

“We could clearly feel the pulse of the people, and today’s verdict reflects that sentiment,” he noted, emphasising that the electorate had decisively voted for change.

Taking aim at the outgoing government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Venugopal argued that an aggressive publicity campaign launched after the Left’s poor performance in the December local body polls failed to sway voters. He alleged that despite significant spending and efforts to reshape public perception, the ruling dispensation could not regain trust.

“The result is a setback to the arrogance of the CPI(M) leadership and its cadre,” he said, suggesting that voters had rejected what he described as complacency in governance.

Venugopal also pointed to emerging trends in traditional Left strongholds as evidence of a deeper political shift. Constituencies like Payyanur and Taliparamba in Kannur district—long considered bastions of the CPI(M)—are witnessing changing voting patterns, he observed.

“These are areas that have historically backed top Left leaders. The fact that trends are shifting here shows that even core support bases are no longer immune to change,” he said.

Referring to Vijayan’s own electoral contest, Venugopal described the Chief Minister’s win as “technical,” noting that he had initially trailed in early rounds of counting before regaining ground later. “The early trends reflected the mood among voters,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, Venugopal said the verdict goes beyond a routine electoral outcome and represents a broader message from the people. “This is not just a result; it is a signal that people want accountable and responsive governance,” he said.

He added that the Congress-led alliance would look to build on this momentum in the coming months, positioning itself as a credible alternative committed to addressing public concerns and aspirations.