Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, May 4: Jubilant scenes unfolded at the Congress headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday as counting trends indicated a sweeping victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (United Democratic Front), signalling a major political shift in Kerala.
As the counting process entered its final phase, the UDF was leading in 97 seats, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was ahead in 40 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in three, according to emerging trends.
Inside the state Congress office, state president Sunny Joseph closely monitored results as constituency-wise leads fluctuated in the early rounds. Despite initial tension in some constituencies, the UDF gradually built a strong lead across the state.
Celebrations gained momentum as senior leaders began arriving at the headquarters to a warm reception from party workers. Veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala, leading comfortably in Haripad by over 10,000 votes, was among the first to arrive and was greeted with loud slogans and celebratory scenes.
Later, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal, often seen as a key figure in state politics, reached the venue to enthusiastic cheers from supporters, further intensifying the festive atmosphere.
The most dramatic moment came with the arrival of Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who had earlier faced a brief setback in early counting rounds in Paravur before staging a comeback to take the lead. His entry sparked emotional celebrations, with supporters lifting him on their shoulders amid chants and applause.
KC Venugopal later cut a victory cake at the party headquarters, sharing it with senior leaders including Shashi Tharoor, Sunny Joseph, Chennithala, and Satheesan, symbolising the growing confidence within the camp.
Outside, party workers distributed sweets and continued celebrations as trends suggested the UDF was on course to end the decade-long rule of the Left Democratic Front (Left Democratic Front), marking a significant realignment in Kerala’s political landscape.