Kerala Election Results 2026 LIVE: UDF consolidates big lead; IUML credits UDF’s ‘teamwork’ for victory

Congress-led UDF takes massive lead as counting progresses in Kerala

• May 04, 2026 13:54

  CPI(M) rebels, dissidents make gains

  Kerala Assembly polls 2026: CPI(M) rebels, dissidents make gains in early trends in several constituencies

  Early trends in Kerala Assembly polls show CPI(M) rebels gaining ground, with G. Sudhakaran leading by over 6,000 votes.

• May 04, 2026 13:52

  Indian Union Muslim League is leading in 23 of the 27 seats it contested

  IUML credits UDF’s teamwork for Assembly polls victory in Kerala

  IUML credits UDF’s teamwork for leading in 23 of 27 seats in Kerala Assembly polls, aiming for around 100 total wins.

• May 04, 2026 13:44

  IUML credits UDF’s ‘teamwork’ for victory

  The IUML, which is putting up a strong performance in the Kerala Assembly elections, has credited the UDF’s “teamwork” for the alliance’s resounding showing. The is leading in 23 of the 27 seats it contested in the Assembly polls.

  IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal said the UDF was on course to win around 100 seats. “This is the result of the UDF’s teamwork reflected in the election. The rest of the matters will be decided after discussions within the UDF,” he said. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 13:36

  K.K. Rema says CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s ‘struggle’ in Dharmadam sends political message

  K.K. Rema, leader of the RMP, has said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s “struggle” in the Dharmadom constituency itself sends a political message to the ruling CPI(M). Ms. Rema entered electoral politics after her husband, T P Chandrasekharan, was hacked to death on May 4, 2012, allegedly by a group involving CPI(M) activists, in a case that triggered major political controversy in the State.

  The RMP, a UDF ally, is observing Chandrasekharan’s death anniversary on Monday as the counting of votes for the Kerala Assembly elections progresses.

  In a Facebook post, the RMP leader reacted to the close contest in Dharmadam, where Vijayan is facing a tough challenge from Congress candidate V P Abdul Rasheed. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 13:33

  Verdict against LDF’s ‘anti-people policies’, says Congress

  Kerala election result: Verdict against LDF’s ‘anti-people policies’, says Congress as UDF heads for big win

  Congress claims a decisive win in Kerala elections, rejecting LDF’s policies, as UDF leads in 96 seats.

• May 04, 2026 13:24

  Mohamed Riyas takes comfortable lead over P.V. Anvar in Beypore

  In Beypore Assembly constituency in Kozhikode, which witnessed a closely watched duel of personalities that has sent ripples across the State, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, the incumbent and a Minister in the outgoing Cabinet, has taken a comfortable lead against his nearest rival P.V. Anvar, who contested as an Independent with the full backing of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

  At the end of the 10th round of counting, Mr. Riyas of the CPI(M) is leading by 7,702 votes. Seven more rounds of vote counting remain in the segment.

  Mr. Anvar recently vowed to shave his head, wear earrings and walk through the streets of Kozhikode if he loses the Assembly election in the Beypore constituency.

  – Sam Paul A.

• May 04, 2026 13:22

  Minister P. Rajeeve trails Gafoor in Kalamassery, defeat looms

  Industries Minister P. Rajeeve stares at a defeat in Kalamassery by trailing behind IUML’s V.E. Abdul Gafoor by 8,312 votes as seven rounds of counting are completed. Mr. Gafoor, who tasted defeat from Mr. Rajeeve the last time, has polled 39,102 votes in seven rounds. NDA’s M.P. Binu is trailing far behind with 7,181 votes.

  – G. Ragesh

• May 04, 2026 13:14

  Ramesh Chennithala registers landslide win in Haripad with over 23,000 vote margin

  Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has sealed one of his biggest electoral victories in his career, defeating his nearest rival T.T. Jismon of CPI by a massive 23,377 votes in Haripad. 

  While he secured 68,184 votes, Mr. Jismon could manage only 44,807 votes. Sandeep Vaachaspathi of the Bharatiya Janata Party came a distant third with 31,022 votes. Mr. Chennithala has almost doubled his victory margin from 13,666 votes from the last election in 2021. Incidentally, he was the only UDF candidates to win from Alappuzha district with all the remaining 8 biting dust.

  – M.P. Praveen

• May 04, 2026 13:09

  Kerala results: Find out who is winning from your constituency

  Kerala election results interactive: Find out who is winning from your constituency

  Kerala election results 2026: Find out who won in your constituency and compare the latest results with previous elections.

• May 04, 2026 13:07

  UDF set for clean sweep in Ernakulam

  UDF candidates are leading in all 14 constituencies across the district so far

  Kerala Assembly results 2026: UDF all set to clean sweep in Ernakulam

  UDF leads in all 14 Ernakulam constituencies, poised for a clean sweep over the Left Democratic Front in Kerala 2026 elections.

• May 04, 2026 13:04

  UDF sweeps Idukki district as Roshy Augustine faces historic defeat

  The UDF appears headed toward a clean sweep of all five seats in the Idukki district. As counting enters the final phase in the Idukki Assembly constituency, LDF candidate and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine is facing a historic defeat after 25 years. By the end of the 13th round (out of 15), UDF candidate Roy K. Paulose had secured a substantial lead of 20,604 votes. Currently, Paulose has secured 60,122 votes, while Roshy Augustine has secured 39,518 votes.

  – Sandeep Vellaram

• May 04, 2026 13:00

  UDF dominates Kozhikode district, leads in 12 of 13 seats

  UDF is leading in 12 of the 13 Assembly constituencies in Kozhikode district as the counting of voting progressed to the final phases in the afternoon. The LDF has an upper hand only in Beypore now.

  Among those who are trailing included LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan and former Ministers A.K. Saseendran and Ahammad Devarkovil, and incumbent MLAs such as K.M. Sachindev, Linto Joseph, Thottathil Raveendran, P.T.A. Raheem, and K.P. Kunhammad Kutty. – A. S. Jayanth

• May 04, 2026 12:57

  Strong sentiments

  WhatsApp Image 2026-05-04 at 12.55.51.jpeg

  Scenes from Malappuram where the Left front is facing a rout. 

  Photo – Sakkeer Hussain

• May 04, 2026 12:56

  Congress’ K. Jayanth takes slim Lead in Kozhikode North as contest tightens

  The Kozhikode North constituency is witnessing a close contest between incumbent Thottathil Raveendran of the CPI(M) and K. Jayanth of the Congress. At the end of the 10th round of counting, Mr. Jayanth has taken a slender lead of 780 votes. Four more rounds of vote counting remain.

  – Sam Paul A.

• May 04, 2026 12:53

  UDF set for clean sweep in Ernakulam as LDF falters

  The United Democratic Front (UDF) is all set to make a clean sweep in Ernakulam as its candidates are leading in all the 14 constituencies across the district so far. 

  The Left Democratic Front, which had won five seats in the 2021 elections, has failed to make an impact this time. P. Rajeeve, Minister for Industries in the Left front government, is trailing by 7, 355 votes against his rival V. E Abdul Gafoor of the UDF. Besides Kalamassery, the LDF had won Kochi, Vypin, Kunnathunad and Kothamangalam segments in 2021. Kerala’s Opposition Leader V. D Satheesan, who is eyeing a sixth straight win, is leading in Paravur constituency with a margin of 6, 085 votes. – G. Krishnakumar

• May 04, 2026 12:45

  As UDF surges ahead, jubilant scenes at Indira Bhavan

  The Congress-led UDF workers broke into euphoric celebrations at Indira Bhavan as early trends in the Assembly polls pointed to the front’s emphatic return to power in Kerala after a decade. A sea of jubilant workers flooded the KPCC headquarters, raising slogans, beating drums, and distributing sweets as giant television screens showed the UDF steadily climbing past the halfway mark and then surging beyond the 100-seat mark in the 140-member Assembly. 

  Cheers turned into a frenzy the moment the tally crossed three digits, with workers leaping from their seats, embracing one another, and bursting crackers. Party flags fluttered across the premises, while giant cutouts of leaders formed the backdrop to the celebrations, which showed no signs of slowing down. Senior leaders received a rousing welcome as they arrived at the venue. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 12:25

  The green signal

  WhatsApp Image 2026-05-04 at 12.22.29.jpeg

  IUML workers celebrating in Malappuram town

  Photo: Sakeer Hussain

• May 04, 2026 12:20

  UDF retains dominance across Wayanad constituencies

  UDF continued to maintain its dominance in all three Assembly constituencies of Wayanad district, as per trends available at 12 noon on counting day. In Mananthavady, UDF candidate Usha Vijayan is leading by 2,531 votes. In Sulthan Bathery, I.C. Balakrishnan of the UDF widened his lead to 8,453 votes. In Kalpetta, T. Siddique of the UDF sustained a commanding lead of 25,471 votes.

  – Biju Govind

• May 04, 2026 12:18

  In Dharmadam, Pinarayi Vijayan regains lead after seventh round

  Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan surged ahead in the Dharmadam constituency after the completion of the seventh round of counting, securing a lead of 1,536 votes. The development comes after a closely fought contest in the early stages where UDF candidate V P Abdul Rasheed had maintained the lead from the second round onwards. The latest trend indicates a shift in momentum in favour of the LDF, pushing Rasheed to the second position. 

  – C.P. Sajit

• May 04, 2026 12:14

  UDF candidates leading with four seats in Idukki, LDF leads 1

  In Idukki district, in the 10th round of counting in the Udumbanchola constituency, Senapathy Venu (UDF) secured 45,406 votes, while LDF candidate K.K. Jayachandran secured 30,943 votes, giving Venu a lead of 14,463 votes. In Peerumade, after the tenth round, UDF candidate Cyriac Thomas established a massive lead of 19906 votes.

  Meanwhile, in Idukki, LDF candidate and Minister Roshy Augustine is trailing by a margin of 15,614 votes following the completion of the ninth round. In the ninth round of the Thodupuzha constituency, UDF candidate Apu John Joseph secured a margin of 25,482 votes. In Devikulam, LDF candidate A. Raja maintained a 1056-vote lead in the seventh round of counting.

  – Sandeep Vellaram

• May 04, 2026 12:12

  Lead positions in constituencies in Thrissur district by 12 pm

  Chelakkara – U.R. Pradeep – 25,231

  Kunnamkulam – A.C. Moideen – 5,680

  Guruvayur – C.H. Rasheed – 2,888

  Manalur – C. Ravindranath – 1,613

  Vadakkanchery – Xavier Chittilappilly – 6,283

  Ollur – K. Rajan – 6,853

  Thrissur – Rajan J. Pallan – 22,317

  Nattika – Geetha Gopi – 7,069

  Kaipamangalam – K.K. Vatsaraj – 4,150

  Irinjalakuda – Thomas Unniyadan – 4,015

  Puthukkad – K.K. Ramachandran – 808

  Chalakudy – Sanish Kumar Joseph – 10,560

  Kodungallur – V.R. Sunilkumar – 631 

  – Mini Murugatheri

• May 04, 2026 12:11

  Minister A.K. Saseendran trails in Elathur

  Senior Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP(SP)] leader and Forest Minister in the outgoing Cabinet, A.K. Saseendran, is trailing by 6,894 votes in Elathur Assembly constituency in Kozhikode. After seven rounds of vote counting, Vidya Balakrishnan of the Congress is leading with 36,087 votes. Considered a Left bastion, Mr. Saseendran is seeking a fourth consecutive victory from the segment.

  – Sam Paul A.

• May 04, 2026 12:08

  On cloud nine

• May 04, 2026 12:02

  UDF’s C.R. Mahesh builds big lead in Karunagappally

  In Karunagappally, the sixth round of counting has seen sitting MLA C.R. Mahesh of Congress take a massive and potentially decisive lead. Mahesh has polled 31,170 votes, establishing a formidable margin of 11,184 over his nearest rival M.S. Thara of the CPI, who has secured 19,986 votes. V.S. Jithin Dev of the BJP is in third place with 12,894 votes. 

  – Navamy Sudhish

• May 04, 2026 12:00

  KPCC president Sunny Joseph hails historic UDF victory, calls it ‘verdict against LDF’

  Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph has thanked the people of Kerala for handing a historic victory to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Flanked by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, AICC General Secretary K.C.Venugopal and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, he said that the results are “a clear verdict against the anti-people policies of the LDF.” 

  – S.R. Praveen

• May 04, 2026 11:57

  RSP’s Vishnu Mohan widens lead in Eravipuram as Naushad trails

  In Eravipuram constituency in Kollam, the sixth round of counting shows Vishnu Mohan of RSP leading with 28,008 votes, widening his lead to a substantial 5,020 over the sitting MLA and LDF candidate M. Naushad, who has secured 22,988 votes. Meanwhile, Saji D. Anand of the BDJS (NDA) is in third place with 4,565 votes. This consistent growth in the margin for the RSP candidate is a major development in this constituency, since Naushad’s previous victory margin was 28,000.

  – Navamy Sudhish

• May 04, 2026 11:56

  UDF leads in 11 of 13 constituencies in Kozhikode district

  The UDF is leading in 11 of the 13 constituencies in Kozhikode district. The LDF has a lead only in Kozhikode North and Beypore

  – A.S. Jayanth

• May 04, 2026 11:49

  United they stand

  WhatsApp Image 2026-05-04 at 11.42.31.jpeg

  UDF leaders celebrate at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram following the Congress-led front’s massive lead in Kerala State Assembly elections on Monday.

  Photo: Nirmal Harindan

• May 04, 2026 11:39

  Former CPI leader and rebel candidate V. Kunhikrishnan leads in Payyannur

  Former CPI leader and rebel candidate V. Kunhikrishnan leads in Payyannur assembly constituency in Kannur by 876 votes. Backed by the UDF, he contested against T I Madhusoodhanan. Mr Kunhikrishnan decided to stand a rebel candidate accusing the party of not taking action against Mr Madhusoodhanan, who is accused of financial irregularities in connections with a martyr’s fund.

  – C.P. Sajit

• May 04, 2026 11:31

  On the same page

  The Congress-led UDF surges ahead as counting of votes gathers pace

  WhatsApp Image 2026-05-04 at 11.14.54.jpeg

  Congress leaders VD Satheesan, KC Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala, Shashi Tharoor and others join celebrations at Indira Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram 

  Photo – Nirmal Harindran 

• May 04, 2026 11:24

  Congress workers celebrate in Thrissur

• May 04, 2026 11:20

  Chamakkala extends lead against Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar in Pathanapuram

  In Pathanapuram constituency in Kollam district, the fourth round of counting has intensified the battle, with UDF candidate Jyothikumar Chamakkala extending his lead in a high-voltage contest. Chamakkala has secured 19,105 votes, maintaining a lead of 2,058 over the incumbent LDF candidate and Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, who has polled 17,047 votes. Anil Pillai representing Twenty20 has garnered 1,780 votes.

  – Navamy Sudhish

• May 04, 2026 11:15

  KPCC headquarters erupts in joy as UDF leads

  As early leads and trends of State Assembly elections trickled in during the counting of votes in Kerala, celebrations began at the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, with the United Democratic Front (UDF) appearing to head toward a landslide victory in the State.

  Kerala election result: KPCC headquarters erupts in joy as UDF leads

  UDF celebrates a significant lead in Kerala elections at KPCC headquarters as joy erupts with 100 seats projected.

• May 04, 2026 11:14

  Celebration time for UDF

• May 04, 2026 11:10

  That winning feeling

  WhatsApp Image 2026-05-04 at 11.08.22.jpeg

  UDF supporters in celebration mood while watching the counting updates at Kozhikode District Congress Committee office

  Photo: K. Ragesh

• May 04, 2026 11:02

  UDF surges ahead as Left’s last bastion slips out of its grip

  The Congress-led UDF surged ahead in Kerala as counting of votes for the ssembly elections gathered pace, with early trends showing a clear advantage for the Opposition alliance in lines with exit poll predictions. After the first few rounds of counting, the United Democratic Front was leading in 100 of the 140 Assembly seats, while the CPI(M)-led ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) was ahead in just in 40 constituencies.

  The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was leading in only one seat, according to television reports. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 11:01

  LDF leads in 6 of 11 seats in Kannur after four rounds; Pinarayi Vijayan trails in Dharmadam

  The Left Democratic Front (LDF) continued to hold the lead in six of the 11 Assembly constituencies in Kannur district after four rounds of counting, though early trends pointed to setbacks in key strongholds, including Dharmadam. The most significant reversal came in Dharmadam, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was pushed to second place, with United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate V. P. Abdul Rasheed extending his lead to 2,812 votes.

  In Taliparamba, LDF candidate P. K. Shyamala also fell behind, as UDF-backed rebel T. K. Govindan took the lead by 974 votes.

  – C.P. Sajit

• May 04, 2026 10:55

  Minister Abdurahman trails Moideen in Tirur

  LDF Minister for Sports V. Abdurahman appears headed for a defeat in Tirur, where he is trailing UDF incumbent Kurukkoli Moideen by 2,807 votes after two rounds of counting. Mr. Abdurahman, who had earlier defeated the IUML in Tanur in both 2016 and 2021, had posed a strong challenge for the UDF in Tirur as well, with his influence clearly visible during the campaign.

  – Abdul Latheef Naha

• May 04, 2026 10:50

  Congress-led UDF leads in all five constituencies in Idukki

  As counting of votes continues in the hilly district of Idukki, UDF candidates are leading in all five Assembly constituencies: Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Idukki, Thodupuzha, and Peerumade.

  Kerala election result: UDF leads in all five constituencies in Idukki

  UDF leads in all five Idukki constituencies, with significant votes ahead in ongoing Kerala Assembly election counting.

• May 04, 2026 10:48

  Congress’ K. Muraleedharan takes lead in Vattiyurkavu

  Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan has wrested lead from incumbent MLA V.K. Prasanth in the Vattiyurkavu constituency in Thiruvananthapuram. The UDF candidate currently leads by 1246 votes after the second round of counting.

  – Sarath Babu George

• May 04, 2026 10:43

  UDF’s Ramesh Pisharody overtakes Sobha Surendran in Palakkad

  The BJP’s hopes in Palakkad have begun to shake as UDF candidate Ramesh Pisharody moved ahead of BJP’s Sobha Surendran by the end of the third round of counting. Mr. Pisharody is now leading by 1,463 votes, while LDF-backed independent N.M.R. Razak trails by 8,921 votes.

  – Abdul Latheef Naha

• May 04, 2026 10:38

  Congress-led UDF takes massive lead 

  The initial two hours of counting of votes polled in the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls showed the Congress-led UDF taking a massive lead, as per news reports, indicating the front may claim power in the State. According to news reports, the UDF was ahead in over 90 seats, while the CPI(M)-led LDF was leading in under 50 seats, and the BJP-headed NDA was leading in around 5 seats.

  The Election Commission figures indicated that the Congress was ahead in 50 seats, CPI(M) in 31, IUML in 17, CPI in 13, with Kerala Congress (M) ahead in 4, and the BJP, Kerala Congress (KEC) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leading in 3 seats each.

  The trends appear to support the UDF’s claim that it would get a huge majority. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 10:35

  UDF leads in all five constituencies in Idukki

  As counting continues in the hilly district of Idukki, UDF candidates are leading in all five constituencies: Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Idukki, Thodupuzha, and Peerumade.

  – Sandeep Vellaram

• May 04, 2026 10:35

  LDF trails in Alappuzha district, G. Sudhakaran leads in Ambalappuzha

  LDF seems to be in for a rude shock in Alappuzha district as per initial trends. It trails in six out of the eight Assembly constituencies where it had swept all except Haripad where senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala won in 2021. M.S. Arunkumar and Saji Cherian are the lone LDF candidates who lead in Mavelikara and Chengannur Assembly constituencies respectively, albeit by slender margins of 84 votes and 782 votes.

  In another blow to CPI(M), veteran Communist leader G. Sudhakaran who contested as independent candidate in Ambalappuzha Assembly constituency is leading by 1576 votes against his LDF rival H. Salam at the end of first round out of the 14 rounds.

  – M.P. Praveen

• May 04, 2026 10:32

  Health Minister Veena George trails Abin Varkey in Aranmula after three rounds

  Health Minister Veena George is trailing the UDF candidate Abin Varkey after three rounds of counting in Aranmula. Mr. Varkey has secured 11,767 votes, maintaining a lead of 3,642, while Ms. George has polled 8,125 votes. Kummanam Rajashekharan of the BJP is at the third position with 5330 votes.

  – Hiran Unnikrishnan

• May 04, 2026 10:30

  M.B. Rajesh trails V.T. Balram in Thrithala as early trends signal turnaround

  LDF’s Minister for Excise and Local Self-Government M.B. Rajesh was trailing by 1,091 votes in Thrithala against UDF’s V.T. Balram at the end of the second round of counting. Mr. Rajesh had defeated Mr. Balram in a fiercely contested battle in Thrithala in 2021, but early trends this time suggest a possible reversal of fortunes. 

  – Abdul Lathef Naha

• May 04, 2026 10:29

  UDF’s P.C. Vishnunath surges ahead in Kundara in Kollam

  The third round of counting in Kundara in Kollam shows Congress’ P.C. Vishnunath surging ahead. He has amassed 14,589 votes, with a substantial lead of 4,204 over the LDF candidate, S.L. Sajikumar, who currently stands at 10,385 votes. Dr. Robin Radhakrishnan of the BJP is in third place with 3,144 votes.

  – Navamy Sudhish

• May 04, 2026 10:26

  Jubilant mood

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  UDF supporters celebrating in Kochi on Saturday. 

  Photo – H. Vibhu

• May 04, 2026 10:25

  K.K. Shailaja leads in Peravoor, CPI(M) bastion Taliparamba sees rebel edge

  In Peravoor, LDF candidate K K Shailaja takes lead, pushing down sitting MLA Sunny Joseph. In Taliparamba, a CPI (M) bastion after completion of second round, UDF backed candidate and CPI(M) rebel candidate T K Govindan leads by 974 votes.

  – C.P. Sajit

• May 04, 2026 10:19

  12 Ministers trail as counting progresses

  At least 12 ministers in the CPI(M)-led LDF Cabinet were trailing with the counting of votes progressing across the state. According to various reports, ministers Veena George, M B Rajesh, O R Kelu, R Bindhu, J Chinchurani, P Rajeev, K B Ganesh Kumar, V N Vasavan, V Sivankutty, V Abdurahiman, A K Saseendran and Roshy Augustine were trailing in their respective constituencies. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 10:11

  Seven Ministers trail as counting progresses

  At least seven Kerala ministers are trailing with the counting of votes progressing in the State.

  Seven ministers in Kerala elections trail as counting progresses

  Seven Kerala ministers trail as vote counting progresses in the April 9 Assembly elections, with UDF leading in many seats.

• May 04, 2026 10:08

  Minister Vasavan trails Suresh in Ettumanoor after three rounds

  Cooperation Minister V. N. Vasavan is trailing the UDF candidate Nattakam Suresh after three rounds of counting in Ettumanoor. Mr. Suresh has secured 15,368 votes, maintaining a lead of 6,636, while Mr. Vasavan has polled 8,732 votes. Athira D. Nair of the Twenty20 Party has received 2,446 votes

  – Hiran Unnikrishnan

• May 04, 2026 10:07

  Minster P. Rajeeve trails Gafoor in Kalamassery

  CPI(M)’s P. Rajeeve, the industries minister in the second Pinarai Vijayan-led LDF government, trails behind IUML’s V.E. Abdul Gafoor in Kalamassery constituency at the end of first round of counting. Mr. Rajeeve has polled 5,010 votes and Mr. Gafoor 5,770 votes in first round. NDA’s M.P. Binu has polled 1,102 votes.

  – G. Ragesh

• May 04, 2026 10:05

  IUML appears set for big gains, eyes sweep in Malappuram

  The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent of the United Democratic Front (UDF), appears on track to secure more than 20 of the 27 seats it contested. Early trends suggest a clean sweep in Malappuram, the State’s largest district, where the party fielded candidates in 12 of the 16 constituencies.

  The IUML also seems set to spring a few surprises. Notably, its candidate Fathima Tahilia has taken an early lead in Perambra against CPI(M)’s T.P. Ramakrishnan, signalling a potentially unexpected upset.

  – Abdul Latheef Naha

• May 04, 2026 10:00

  Pinarayi Vijayan trails in Dharmadam as Congress candidate takes early lead

  Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is trailing in Dharmadam constituency, where Congress candidate V P Abdul Rasheed has taken the lead, according to TV reports.

  Vijayan, the face of the LDF in the Assembly election, is seeking a mandate from Dharmadam for the third time.

  According to TV reports, Vijayan trailed by over 700 votes in the initial rounds of counting of EVMs.

  The development would be considered significant as Dharmadam is regarded as an LDF stronghold.

  However, the CPI(M) expects Vijayan to gain ground as counting progresses further. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 09:59

  UDF leads in all three constituencies in Wayanad; Minister O.R. Kelu trails in Mananthavady

  Candidates of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) have taken the lead in all three constituencies in Wayanad after the initial rounds of counting of votes for the Assembly elections were completed. 

  In the Mananthavady segment, CPI(M) candidate O.R. Kelu, a Minister in the present Cabinet, is trailing by 744 votes against his nearest rival, Usha Vijayan of the Congress. In Kalpetta, incumbent T. Siddique of Congress has taken a lead of 2,721 votes against P.K. Anil Kumar of the Rashtriya Janata Dal. I.C. Balakrishan of the Congress, who is aiming for a fourth consecutive term from the Sulthan Bathery Assembly constituency, is leading by 3,233 votes against his nearest rival M.S. Viswanathan of the CPI(M).

  – Sam Paul A.

• May 04, 2026 09:55

  Mixed fortunes for Thrissur Ministers: Rajan leads, Bindu trails in early trends

  Of the two Ministers from Thrissur district, while Revenue Minister K. Rajan is leading in Ollur, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu is trailing.

  Mr. Rajan has built a lead of 4,607 votes against UDF’s Shaji Kodankandath, while Ms. Bindu is behind UDF’s Thomas Unniyadan by 1,045 votes.

  – Mini Muringatheri

• May 04, 2026 09:53

  K.K. Rema trails Bhaskaran in Vadakara as LDF gains edge

  K.K. Rema, incumbent MLA of the UDF, is trailing behind M.K. Bhaskaran of the LDF in Vadakara constituency in Kozhikode, Mr. Bhaskaran has got 4,922 votes and Ms. Rema 4,577 votes. K. Dileep of the NDA got 1,265 votes

  – A.S. Jayanth

• May 04, 2026 09:52

  BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar maintains lead in Nemom

  Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has maintained a consistent lead in the Nemom constituency. He currently holds a lead of 1302 votes over LDF candidate and General Education Minister V.Sivankutty, as per Election Commission of India’s updates. UDF candidate K.S.Sabarinadhan is in third position.

  – S.R. Praveen

• May 04, 2026 09:51

  V.D. Satheesan trails after first round

  Kerala’s Opposition Leader V. D Satheesan is trailing by a margin of 243 votes against his rival E. T Taison of the Left front at the end of the first round of counting. Mr. Taison secured 4, 638 votes against 4, 395 votes won by Mr. Satheesan.

  – G. Krishnakumar

• May 04, 2026 09:40

  P.K. Firoz leads in Koduvally as UDF takes early edge

  UDF candidate P.K. Firoz is leading with 4,875 votes in Koduvally Assembly constituency. LDF‘s Saleem Madavoor is trailing with 4,083 votes, while BJP candidate Giri Pambanall has secured 929 votes so far. 

  – Mithosh Joseph

• May 04, 2026 09:38

  Seven Ministers trail as counting progresses

  At least seven Ministers are trailing, with the counting of votes progressing. According to various television reports, the Ministers Veena George, M B Rajesh, O R Kelu, R Bindhu, J Chinchurani, P Rajeeve, K B Ganesh Kumar, and Roshy Augustine were trailing in their respective constituencies in the first hour of counting. – PTI 

• May 04, 2026 09:35

  LDF’s Linto Joseph takes early lead in Thiruvambady

  LDF candidate Linto Joseph has taken an early lead with 6,334 votes in the first round of counting for the Thiruvambady constituency. UDF’s C.K. Kasim follows with 4,438 votes, while NDA candidate Sunny Thomas has secured 425 votes so far.

  – Mithosh Joseph 

• May 04, 2026 09:34

  Ernakulam DCC president Mohammed Shiyas leads in Kochi after first round

  Mohammed Shiyas, Ernakulam DCC president and UDF candidate in Kochi Assembly constituency, leads by 832 votes when 3,811 votes were counted in the first round out of 18 rounds.

  – M.P. Praveen

• May 04, 2026 09:30

  Congress’ Mathew Kuzhalnadan leads in Muvattupuzha after first round

  Congress’ Mathew Kuzhalnadan is ahead of CPI’s N. Arun in Muvattupuzha constituency by 1,666 votes as first round of counting is completed. Mr. Kuzhalnadan has won 6,154 votes against Mr. Arun’s 4,488. NDA’s Sunny Kadoothazhe polled only 744 votes in first round.

  – G. Ragesh

• May 04, 2026 09:28

  LDF takes early lead in Kannur, Pinarayi Vijayan ahead in Dharmadam

  The Left Democratic Front (LDF) surged ahead in seven of the 11 Assembly constituencies in Kannur district within the first hour of counting, establishing early leads in several key segments, including Payyannur and Taliparamba. 

  Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, contesting from Dharmadam, opened with a lead of 576 votes, reinforcing the Left’s early advantage in the constituency. The front also maintained leads in its sitting strongholds of Mattannur, Kuthuparamba, and Thalassery.

  – C.P. Sajit

• May 04, 2026 09:26

  Favourable weather sets stage for victory celebrations

  The weather is likely to be favourable for the winning candidates to celebrate after the counting on Monday

  Weather favourable to celebrate election win in Kerala; Yellow alert in three districts on May 4

  Favorable weather expected for election celebrations in Kerala, with a yellow alert for heavy rain in three districts on May 4.

• May 04, 2026 09:22

  Chennithala leads in Haripad as first round of counting progresses

  Congress veteran Ramesh Chennithala leads by 1,530 votes against T.T. Jismon of the CPI in Haripad constituency as first round of vote counting progresses. As per ECI figures at 9.20 am, Mr. Chennithala has polled 4,765 votes against 3,235 by Mr. Jismon. BJP’s Sandeep Vachaspathi trails behind with 1,899 votes. – G. Ragesh

• May 04, 2026 08:57

  Missing key sparks tensions at Kalamassery strongroom, counting proceeds after break-in

  Tension prevailed at a strongroom in Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kalamassery in the initial minutes of vote counting as the key of the facility where EVMs of Kalamassery assembly constituency were kept went missing. The strongroom had to be broken open around 8.30 am as the officials could not find the key.

  “Everything is going smoothly now,” an official said.

  Kalamassery is one of the keenly watches constituencies with CPI(M) strongman and outgoing Industries Minister P. Rajeeve seeking reelection from there. Mr. Rajeeve faces UDF’s V E Abdul Gafoor and NDA’s M.P. Binu. 

  – G. Ragesh

• May 04, 2026 08:53

  Initial counting trends show Congress-led UDF leading

  Initial trends following the commencement of counting of votes showed the Congress-led UDF leading in the state. According to news reports, UDF was leading in over 60 seats, while the CPI(M)-led LDF was ahead in over 50 seats.

  The initial trends are based on the counting of postal ballots , which account for 1.36 per cent of the total votes polled. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 08:47

  Eyes on the tally

  WhatsApp Image 2026-05-04 at 08.37.20.jpeg

  Deepak Joy, UDF candidate in Thripunithura Assembly constituency, keeping track of counting of votes at his residence.

  photo: special arrangement

• May 04, 2026 08:26

  Tight security in place for counting

  Tight security arrangements have been made across Kerala for the counting of votes. As many as 32,300 police personnel, including 20 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed for security at counting centres across the State, officials said.

  Strongrooms were opened in the morning in the persence of armed police officials.

  The police have also taken preventive measures to curb any violence after the declaration of results. – PTI

• May 04, 2026 08:08

  Counting begins: postal ballots first as initial trends awaited

  The counting of votes polled in the April 9 Assembly elections began in Kerala at 8 a.m. Postal ballots are being counted first.

  Initial trends are expected in a short while.

  For counting the postal ballots, special counting tables have been arranged for every 500 votes.

  Strongrooms where the electronic voting machines (EVM) and the Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units were stored were opened at 7 a.m. Votes are being counted at 43 locations. 

  – Tiki Rajwi

• May 04, 2026 07:54

  Polling officials unlocking a strongroom in Alappuzha constituency

• May 04, 2026 07:41

  Exit polls: DMK in TN, BJP in Assam, UDF in Kerala?

• May 04, 2026 07:39

  Counting agents queue up outside counting centre in Thiruvananthapuram

  WhatsApp Image 2026-05-04 at 7.37.24 AM.jpeg

  Counting agents queue up outside a counting centre at Mar Ivanios Vidyanagar campus in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday (May 4, 2026).

  Photo Credit: Jayamohan A / The Hindu

• May 04, 2026 07:38

  “UDF will form government in Keralam”: Congress MP Jebi Mather

  Congress MP Jebi Mather expressed confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) will form the government in Keralam following the 2026 Assembly elections.

  Speaking on the party’s prospects, the Congress leader said the outcome would reflect the will of the people.

  “We are very confident that it’s going to be a very scintillating victory and that is the wish of the people of Keralam and the decision of the people of Keralam that it should be the Congress-led UDF government that should be in power,” she said.

  Ms. Mather added that the Chief Minister would be a Congress leader, with the decision to be taken by elected MLAs and the party leadership.

  -ANI

• May 04, 2026 07:28

  What happens on counting day?

  Watch: What happens on counting day? | Explained

  Voting is over. Across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, West Bengal and Assam, the big question now is: who wins? With counting of votes set to begin on May 4, here’s a closer look at how the process is done in India — step by step.

• May 04, 2026 06:58

  Kerala all set for counting day as ruling Left Democratic Front eyes third term, while Opposition UDF hopes for a comeback

  A short while from now, the counting of votes polled in the high-stakes, April 9 State Assembly elections will kick off in 140 counting centres across 43 locations in Kerala.

  The southern State, which has 140 constituencies, had witnessed a high-voltage electoral battle between the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) this time. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP, which is hoping to reopen its account in the Assembly, remains a strong contender in several key segments.

  Kerala had 883 candidates in the fray on April 9 when, as per the latest updates, 79.7% of the 2.71 crore-strong electorate exercised their franchise. The State went to the polling stations after a closely-watched Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll which saw the voter strength dip from 2.78 crore to 2.71 crore.

  Read the story here

  Kerala Assembly polls: Kerala all set for counting day as ruling Left Democratic Front eyes third term, while Opposition UDF hopes for a comeback

  Kerala prepares for vote counting as LDF aims for a third term while UDF hopes for a comeback in Assembly elections.

• May 04, 2026 06:44

  Vellappally Natesan hopes for LDF win, says BJP will open account in State

  Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan on Sunday said he hoped the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would retain power in Kerala while also predicting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would open its account in the Assembly this time.

  Addressing a press conference, Mr. Natesan said exit polls had only indicated a marginal edge for the United Democratic Front (UDF) and had not fully accounted for the BJP factor.

  “Exit polls do not always get it right. The BJP is a major factor that has not been adequately considered. They will win several seats. The BJP claims it can win around 14 seats. They may not win that many, but they will certainly open their account,” he said.

  Read the story here

  Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Vellappally Natesan hopes for LDF win, says BJP will open account in State

  Vellappally Natesan predicts LDF victory in Kerala Assembly polls 2026 while anticipating BJP’s first seats in the state.

• May 04, 2026 06:23

  Security tightened in sensitive areas ahead of poll verdict

  Around 15 locations in the district will be under heightened surveillance on Monday (May 4), with the police planning intense security arrangements in view of the declaration of the Assembly election results. Sensitive areas in the district include places such as Chengamanad, Pezhakkappilly, Binanipuram, Edathala, and Kunnathunadu.

  All the sensitive locations fall within the Ernakulam Rural police limits. The sensitive locations were identified based on issues and scuffles reported during the election campaign. While the Kochi city police have not marked any specific location as ‘sensitive’, additional surveillance will be in place at points where supporters of political parties are likely to gather to watch and celebrate results. District Police Chief (Kochi city) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said a three-layer security as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines will be in place at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kalamassery, where votes for six constituencies will be counted.

  Read the story here

  Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Security tightened in sensitive areas ahead of poll verdict

  Ernakulam prepares for Kerala Assembly Election results with heightened security and surveillance at key political hotspots on May 4.

• May 04, 2026 06:09

  All set for counting; ECI promises transparency

  The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday (May 3, 2026) said it would uphold the “highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency” during the counting of votes on Monday (May 4, 2026) for the elections to the Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and the bye-elections in seven Assembly constituencies of five States.

  With just hours left for the counting of votes polled in the April 9 Assembly elections, Kerala’s voter turnout was updated provisionally to 79.7% on Sunday as election officials factored in 20,028 postal ballots of service voters polled till May 1. On the eve of counting day, the leadership of all three fronts exuded confidence about the results. With exit polls hinting at a United Democratic Front (UDF) comeback, the Congress-led Opposition led by V.D. Satheesan is already in a celebratory mood. 

  Read the story here

  All set for counting; ECI promises transparency

  ECI ensures transparent and secure vote counting as elections conclude in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry.