Kochi, May 7, 2026 – Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar officially dissolved the 15th Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, May 6. This move follows the decisive victory of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the recent state elections. The gazette notification formalizing the dissolution was released Thursday.
The UDF secured a commanding majority, capturing 102 out of 140 seats. The outgoing CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) faced a significant setback, reduced to just 35 seats. This outcome signals a considerable political shift in the state, ending a decade of LDF rule under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
UDF's Decisive Mandate
The election results, finalized by May 3, showed the UDF sweeping back into power. Early trends indicated a strong lead, with the coalition performing exceptionally well across the state. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key UDF ally, achieved its highest-ever Assembly tally, winning 22 out of 27 seats contested. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a notable breakthrough, securing three seats.
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The dissolution comes as political parties begin the process of forming the new government. Discussions are underway regarding the selection of the next Leader of the Opposition, with Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly a consideration despite the LDF's electoral defeat.
Broader Political Landscape
Elsewhere, the political scene remains dynamic. In Puducherry, Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan dissolved the 15th Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, May 6, effective May 5. The AINRC-led NDA secured a decisive victory in the Union Territory, with N Rangasamy poised to lead for a fifth term.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is witnessing political maneuvers. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar dissolved the 16th Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, effective May 5. The TVK, led by Vijay, has claimed a mandate but is reportedly struggling to secure allies for government formation, despite support from the Congress's state unit.
Read More: UDF wins Kerala elections 2026 with 102 seats ending LDF rule
The West Bengal political situation has been marked by reported instances of violence, including the killing of Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant.
Legislative Context
The dissolved 15th Kerala Assembly concluded its term after extensive legislative activity. Reports indicate it passed a significant number of laws, with committees tabling a record number of reports and budgets being passed before the financial year. This period also saw moments of "constitutional friction," according to prior reporting. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar had addressed the House twice during the term of the dissolved assembly.
Reports also suggest internal dissent within the LDF, with indications of cadre dissatisfaction over leadership and alleged nepotism, contributing to reduced leads in former strongholds. The state has also experienced post-election clashes in districts like Kasaragod, involving injuries and property damage.
