End of an era: Pinarayi Vijayan steps down as Kerala CM amid poll debacle

Thiruvananthapuram: In the aftermath of a decisive electoral defeat for the Left Democratic Front (LDF), Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stepped down from office, marking the end of his tenure after nearly a decade at the helm of the state government.

Vijayan submitted his resignation to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan, hours after trends and results confirmed a sweeping victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the 2026 Assembly elections.

The resignation follows a dramatic reversal for the LDF, which saw its seat tally sharply decline amid strong anti-incumbency and a resurgent opposition. The UDF crossed the majority mark comfortably, paving the way for a change in government.

Vijayan, who led the state through multiple crises, including floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, had been the central figure of the LDF’s governance model since 2016. His exit signals a major transition phase for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which now faces the challenge of rebuilding its leadership and strategy from the opposition benches.

According to the latest trends, INC has won 56 seats and is leading in seven, while its ally IUML has won 18 seats and is leading in two. RSP has won three seats, and Kerala Congress (Jacob) one seat.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday expressed her gratitude to the people of Kerala for their support to the UDF in the assembly polls, saying they will strive to fulfill commitments with honesty and humility.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi also said people of Wayanad have renewed their faith in UDF by giving all seven seats in the district.

"To all my brothers and sisters in Keralam, thank you for your faith and for your overwhelming support. The trust you have placed in us will be the UDF's guiding force as we work hard towards building a better future for each one of you. I sincerely hope that our gratitude to you will be evident each day of the next five years as we strive to fulfill our commitments to you with honesty and humility," she said.

"To my family in Wayanad, you have renewed your belief in the UDF with a resounding mandate - 7 out of 7 seats!! You now have 8 representatives working together towards the development of Wayanad! We will do all we can to live up to your expectations," she added.

She also lauded party workers for their work in the UDF's victory.

"To the workers and leaders of the UDF who worked day and night to take our message of a united and progressive Kerala to every household, my heartiest congratulations, best wishes and gratitude for your tireless efforts. May the next five years strengthen your resolve to serve the people of Kerala," she said.