#JUSTIN: CM Pinarayi Vijayan Steps Down After Congress-Led UDF Wins Kerala Election

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Monday accepted the resignation of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a majority in the state assembly elections, marking a major political transition in the state.

According to Raj Bhavan, the Governor has asked Vijayan to continue in office as caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is sworn in and formal arrangements for transition are completed. The move follows constitutional procedure after a change in legislative majority.

The election results saw the UDF winning 63 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured 26 seats. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also emerged as a significant contributor to the UDF tally with 22 seats, helping the alliance secure a clear mandate and ending the incumbent LDF government’s tenure.

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The outcome represents a significant shift in Kerala’s political landscape, where power has traditionally alternated between the LDF and UDF alliances. The results reflect a decisive swing in voter sentiment, with the opposition coalition successfully unseating the ruling front after its previous term in office.

Following the announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated UDF workers and leaders, thanking voters in Kerala for what he described as a “decisive mandate.” In a post on X, he said the state had shown confidence in the alliance and expressed optimism about the incoming government’s ability to harness Kerala’s “talent and potential.”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also thanked voters, stating that the trust placed in the UDF would guide the alliance over the next five years. She emphasised the importance of fulfilling campaign commitments with honesty and humility, and expressed hope that the new government would work toward improving the lives of citizens across the state.

With the resignation accepted and the caretaker arrangement in place, the focus now shifts to the formation of the new government. UDF leaders are expected to meet in the coming days to finalise leadership roles and prepare for the swearing-in ceremony, which will formally mark the end of the LDF administration and the beginning of a new political chapter in Kerala.

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