The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala is led by the Communist Party of India (M), which has been the ruling political alliance since 2016.
Kerala was the first state in India to have a non-Congress government, with a CPI government coming to power in 1957.
Since then, politics in Kerala has been dominated by just two forces: the LDF, led by the CPI(M), and the UDF, led by the Congress, with power alternating between them.
Today, Kerala is the only state with a Left government in power.
The 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections were held in a single phase on April 9, while counting of votes will be done on May 4.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan filed his nomination as the LDF candidate from the Dharmadam Assembly constituency in Kannur on March 19.
The LDF has won a total of 6 elections out of 10 since its formation in 1980, consisting of CPI (M), CPI, and various smaller parties.
The upcoming 2026 assembly polls might see the BJP as an emerging third player, with its recent political wins, including the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation in 2025 and the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat in 2024.
