Pinarayi Vijayan has been elected CPI(M) legislature party leader in Thiruvananthapuram, putting the former chief minister on track to become Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly. The decision follows the LDF’s major setback in the recent election, winning just 35 seats, while the UDF led by Congress secured 102, setting up a new government.
Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal secured a narrow win from Kottarakkara, defeating former CPI(M) leader Aisha Potty by 1,012 votes. Potty, now with Congress, had been seen as part of the UDF’s push across the state. Balagopal’s result keeps him among the few CPI(M) ministers who held their ground despite broader challenges.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal hailed Kerala’s Congress-led UDF sweeping victory as a public verdict against CPI(M)-led LDF “arrogance”, corruption and nepotism. He said voter anger over “10 years of misrule” powered the outcome, and alleged the LDF pursued “communal and opportunistic politics” through a “secret understanding” with the BJP.
Palakkad’s Election Results 2026 could reshape Kerala’s political map in a rare three-way contest. Congress backs actor Ramesh Pisharody, CPI(M) has businessman NMR Razak, while BJP fields veteran leader Sobha Surendran. Coming after Rahul Mamkootathil’s recent by-election win, early exit poll signals point to a possible change in power across the state.
The Tripura Assembly passed a motion urging the Centre to reintroduce the Women’s Reservation Bill. While the ruling BJP and allies backed the move, CPI(M) and Congress opposed it. The proposal seeks to reserve one-third of seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies, with lawmakers sharply divided over how it should be implemented and the politics behind it.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.
