Kerala Assembly elections: Welfare thrust helps left rewrite history

The state alternates between UDF and LDF even when governments perform reasonably well. Except in 1977, no ruling front has been re-elected

Effective implementation of welfare schemes has helped chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan lead the left democratic front (LDF), rewrite history, and return to power in Kerala. This is the first time in history that an incumbent chief minister came back to power after completing a full term. Kerala alternates between UDF and LDF even when governments perform reasonably well. Except in 1977, no ruling front has been re-elected.

The LDF, a coalition, is likely to win