The election results in Kerala unfolded dramatically at Cantonment House, starting in near silence with only a handful of party workers watching the giant screen, clapping as the UDF lead inched forward at 9 am. The sparse crowd barely disturbed the swans on the lawn. But by 10:30 am, the quiet vigil transformed into a roar of celebration.
Celebrations at Indira Bhavan
As opposition leader V D Satheesan, hailed as the architect of the Congress's return to power after a decade, arrived at Indira Bhavan at 11 am, the state party headquarters erupted. Workers thronged the gates, dancing, shouting slogans, and jostling for a glimpse of their leaders. For Congress foot soldiers, denied power for ten years, it was a day of spectacular comeback. More and more people streamed in, as if all roads led to Indira Bhavan.
Satheesan cut a giant cake alongside KPCC president Sunny Joseph, senior leaders K C Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, and Kodikkunnil Suresh. The atmosphere was filled with bonhomie as Joseph announced that the result, though not fully out, signaled the people's rejection of the anti-people policies of the LDF government.
Supporters Express Joy
Dinesh R Nair, a supporter from Kottarakara, said, "Look at the celebration all around. The people are happy about the win and are celebrating by forgetting themselves. They are happy that the election could bring an end to the arrogance of Pinarayi Vijayan."
By noon, as the UDF consolidated its lead with clear signals of a sweep, the number of people on the campus increased tremendously. Vinod Kumar, present at Indira Bhavan, remarked, "This is a great victory that will bring a change for the state. This is a sign of the leadership quality of opposition leader V D Satheesan."
Congratulatory Calls and Youth Support
Satheesan received congratulatory calls from senior leaders in Delhi and other well-wishers. He was heard saying that "around 75% of the youngsters voted for the party and that people believe we are credible. We are celebrating with the people of Kerala."
Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal said, "The confidence the people gave us was very strong. After our victory in the municipal panchayat elections, the Pinarayi Vijayan government made many attempts to influence the people. This was unprecedented by any communist government, spending public money to change the sentiments of the people. Those attempts have harmed them."
Election Context
The 2026 Kerala election results mark a significant shift, with the UDF defeating the incumbent LDF led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Congress-led alliance's victory ends a decade in opposition and sets the stage for a new government under V D Satheesan's leadership.
