A pre-election survey by Mumbai-based VoteVibe has revealed Congress MP Shashi Tharoor as the frontrunner for Kerala’s Chief Minister post, securing 28.3% voter support ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. However, a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration, in power since 2016, could reshape the state’s political landscape.

The survey highlights significant leadership challenges for both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF. While Tharoor enjoys a clear lead within the UDF, 27.1% of voters remain uncertain about the coalition’s leadership. The LDF faces a deeper crisis, with former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja garnering 24.2% support compared to Vijayan’s 17.5%, and a striking 41.5% of voters undecided on their preferred LDF leader.

Anti-incumbency is a dominant theme, with 47.9% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with Vijayan’s government. This sentiment is stronger among older voters (45% for those 55+) and slightly higher among women (43%) than men (39%). Additionally, 62% of voters want to replace their current MLA, with 34% favoring a different party and 28% preferring a new candidate from the same party.

Also Read: Kerala Minister R. Bindu Steps Up for Hospital Collapse Victim’s Family

In terms of trust in governance, the UDF leads with 38.9% support, followed by the LDF at 27.8% and the BJP-led NDA at 23.1%. With Kerala’s elections approaching in April/May 2026, these findings signal a restless electorate eager for change, posing challenges for the ruling LDF while spotlighting Tharoor’s rising popularity.

Also Read: BJP Backs Kerala Catholic Body’s Call for Youth in Politics, Echoes Modi’s Vision