United Democratic Front (Kerala)

In the vibrant, often fiercely contested political arena of Kerala, India, a unique two-front system has shaped governance for decades. At the heart of one of these fronts lies the United Democratic Front, a powerful alliance led by the Indian National Congress. This enduring coalition has alternately held the reins of power and served as a robust opposition, leaving an indelible mark on the state's development and policy landscape. The United Democratic Front (UDF) is a long-standing coalition of diverse parties in Kerala, anchored by the Indian National Congress, pivotal to the state's unique two-front political system. Since its formal inception in 1979, the UDF has repeatedly formed governments, ushering in significant reforms and massive infrastructure projects under its key Chief Ministers. The UDF's history is a testament to India's dynamic coalition politics, showcasing how diverse ideological groups can unite to form a formidable electoral force and govern a complex state.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

The United Democratic Front (UDF) is a long-standing coalition of diverse parties in Kerala, anchored by the Indian National Congress, pivotal to the state's unique two-front political system.
Since its formal inception in 1979, the UDF has repeatedly formed governments, ushering in significant reforms and massive infrastructure projects under its key Chief Ministers.
The UDF's history is a testament to India's dynamic coalition politics, showcasing how diverse ideological groups can unite to form a formidable electoral force and govern a complex state.

Kerala's Enduring Political Alliance

The United Democratic Front, or UDF, is the dominant political alliance in Kerala led by the Indian National Congress. It stands as one of the two major political coalitions in the state, the other being the Left Democratic Front, creating a distinctive political seesaw that has defined Kerala's governance since 1980.

Currently, the UDF operates as the primary opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Its roster includes a diverse array of parties such as the Indian National Congress itself, the Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Jacob), and the Revolutionary Socialist Party, among others.

A History of Collaboration

Before the formal birth of the UDF, alliance politics were already a strong tradition in Kerala. From the early 1960s, various 'fronts' emerged, bringing together disparate parties under a common banner to form governments.

These early coalitions included the 'Joint Front' of the 1960s under Pattom and Sankar ministries, which saw the Congress, Praja Socialist Party, and Indian Union Muslim League working together. Later came the 'Mini Front' and 'United Front,' demonstrating a consistent pattern of multi-party cooperation.

These antecedents laid the groundwork, perfecting the art of coalition management. They showed that successful governance in Kerala often hinged on broad consensus and the ability to unite diverse political interests under a shared agenda.

The Birth of the UDF (1979-Present)

The United Democratic Front, as we know it today, was formally established in 1979. This pivotal moment was orchestrated by the visionary Congress leader K. Karunakaran, who sought to institutionalize the existing Congress-led alliance into a more coherent and enduring front.

The newly formed UDF faced its first major test in the 1980 assembly elections. Despite its fresh formation, the Front was defeated by the rival Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front.

However, this initial setback was short-lived. The first LDF ministry soon fell, leading to Kerala's sixth instance of President's Rule in 1981. This political vacuum provided an opportunity for the UDF to regroup and ultimately assume power later that year.

The UDF went on to win subsequent state elections in 1982, 1991, 2001, and 2011, alternately governing the state with the LDF. This established the unique 'swing' pattern of Kerala politics, where power often shifts between the two major fronts.

In recent times, the UDF secured 47 out of 140 seats in the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, and 40 seats in 2021, serving as the opposition. However, its performance in national elections from Kerala has often been stronger, clinching 19 out of 20 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 and 18 in 2024.

Chief Ministers and Their Legacies

Before the UDF's formal founding, several Chief Ministers led Congress-backed alliances, shaping the state's early trajectory. These leaders included Pattom Thanu Pillai, R. Sankar, C. Achutha Menon, and the soon-to-be UDF founder, K. Karunakaran, among others.

Within the UDF's history, three Chief Ministers stand out for their leadership and length of service, leaving deep and lasting impacts on Kerala's social and infrastructural development.

No.	Name (Ministry)	Longest Continuous Term	Total Years of Premiership
1	K. Karunakaran (1918 - 2010)	4 years, 305 days (1982–87)	8 years, 315 days (four terms)
2	A. K. Antony (born 1940)	3 years, 74 days (2001–04)	5 years, 306 days (three terms)
3	Oommen Chandy (born 1943)	5 years, 6 days (2011–16)	6 years, 256 days (two terms)

Note: This table reflects only UDF Chief Ministers by length of term, not pre-UDF ones. Longest continuous term and total years of premiership are distinct metrics, highlighting the varying nature of their tenures.

K. Karunakaran: The Architect of Modern Kerala

K. Karunakaran, fondly remembered as 'Leader,' was instrumental in many of Kerala's foundational modern projects. During his third ministry (1982-87), he oversaw the establishment of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam and the inauguration of the last two districts, Pathanamthitta and Kasaragod, bringing the state's total to fourteen.

Karunakaran's vision for infrastructure was transformative. He championed major projects like the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi and the Cochin International Airport, both sanctioned during his 1991-95 tenure. The Vallarpadam Terminal, India's first transshipment terminal, was also a key project conceived under his administration.

Further bolstering connectivity and power, his terms saw the development of the Goshree Bridges in Kochi, the Guruvayur Railway Line, and the Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant at Kayamkulam. The first phase of the Kollam Bypass was also completed under his watch.

A. K. Antony: The Reformer and Educator

A. K. Antony's administrations left a significant legacy in the fields of biotechnology, IT, and education. He was instrumental in establishing the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram and the InfoPark in Kochi in 2004, crucial steps for Kerala's burgeoning tech sector.

Education also saw major expansion, with Kannur University, the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (1994), Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (1996), and National Institute of Technology Calicut (2002) all established or significantly developed during his tenures.

Antony's policy initiatives included the Akshaya Project (2002) to boost digital literacy across the state. He also introduced welfare measures like unemployment and festival allowances for state employees, demonstrating a focus on social security.

Beyond development, Antony made bold social decisions, notably introducing the prohibition of arrack in Kerala. He also ordered the closure of the Plachimada Coca-Cola plant in 2004 due to concerns over water scarcity, highlighting his commitment to environmental issues.

Oommen Chandy: The People's CM and Developmental Catalyst

Oommen Chandy's ministries were marked by a focus on administrative decentralization and public welfare. He oversaw the largest taluk delimitation in Kerala since 1957, establishing 12 new taluks, 28 new municipalities, and the Kannur Municipal Corporation.

In healthcare, Chandy initiated new government medical colleges after a 31-year gap in 2013. His 'Karunya Scheme' provided free treatment for critical illnesses, and the 'Mruthasanjeevani Project' facilitated organ transplants, saving countless lives.

Economically, his government implemented a rubber subsidy in 2015 to ensure a minimum price for farmers. Educationally, IT became a compulsory subject in schools, and new institutions like IIT Palakkad, Malayalam University, and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University were established.

Chandy's tenure saw Kerala declared the first complete digital state in 2016. He focused heavily on job creation, with the Kerala Public Service Commission filling a record 167,096 vacant posts. Major IT park expansions, including Technopark Phase 3 and InfoPark Phase 2, also took place.

Internationally recognized for his 'Jana Samparkka Paripadi' (Mass Contact Programme), Chandy received the United Nation's Public Service Award. His government doubled social welfare pensions, provided free rations and food kits to the needy, and constructed over 400,000 houses for the homeless.

His administration also initiated mega infrastructure projects like the Kannur International Airport, the Kochi Metro, and the Vizhinjam International Seaport. The Kochi-Mangalore GAIL pipeline was commissioned, and Cochin International Airport became the world's first fully solar-powered airport, showcasing sustainable development.

Key UDF Leaders in Opposition

The role of Leader of Opposition is crucial in a democratic system, and several UDF stalwarts have effectively filled this position during periods out of power.

K. Karunakaran (1980–81, 1987-91) A. K. Antony (1996 - 2001) Oommen Chandy (2006–11) Ramesh Chennithala (2016–21) V. D. Satheesan (2021–present)

UDF Conveners: The Alliance Managers

The Convener of the United Democratic Front plays a vital role in coordinating the alliance partners and strategizing for electoral success and governance. This position requires immense political acumen and negotiation skills.

Period	U D F Convener	Political affiliation
1979–80	Nil	
1980–82	P. J. Joseph	Kerala Congress
1982–85	Oommen Chandy	Indian National Congress
1985–2001	K. Sankaranarayanan	Indian National Congress
2001–04	Oommen Chandy	Indian National Congress
2004–18	P. P. Thankachan	Indian National Congress
2018–20	Benny Behanan	Indian National Congress
2020-25	M. M. Hassan	Indian National Congress
2025-incumbent	Adoor Prakash	Indian National Congress

Article

United Democratic Front (Kerala)

The United Democratic Front (UDF) is the Indian National Congress-led alliance of political parties in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the two major political alliances in Kerala, the other being Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front, each of which has been in power alternately since the 1980 E. K. Nayanar ministry until the 2016 Legislative Assembly election in the state. The alliance currently acts as the opposition in the state legislature of Kerala. Most of the United Democratic Front constituents are members of the Indian National Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance at pan-India level.

United Democratic Front was created by the Indian National Congress (then known as Congress-Indira) party leader K. Karunakaran in 1979, as a successor to the existing Congress-led alliance. The alliance first came to power in 1981 (K. Karunakaran ministry) and has won elections to the state legislature of Kerala in the years (/wiki/1982KeralaLegislativeAssemblyelection) (Karunakaran ministry), (/wiki/1991KeralaLegislativeAssemblyelection) (Karunakaran and A. K. Antony ministries), (/wiki/2001KeralaLegislativeAssemblyelection) (Antony and Oommen Chandy ministries), and (/wiki/2011KeralaLegislativeAssemblyelection) (Oommen Chandy ministry). United Democratic Front leaders V. D. Satheesan and K. Sudhakaran currently serve as the Leader of the Opposition and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President respectively.

The alliance currently consists of Indian National Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Jacob), Revolutionary Socialist Party and a variety of other smaller parties. The alliance follows big tent policy and includes a variety political parties.

Current members

United Democratic Front (Kerala)

<table><thead><tr><th>Party</th><th>Abbr.</th><th>Flag</th><th>MPs in Lok Sabha</th><th>MPs in Rajya Sabha</th><th>MLA in state legislature</th><th>Kerala leader</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Indian National Congress</td><td>INC</td><td></td><td>14</td><td>01</td><td>20</td><td>Sunny Joseph</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Indian Union Muslim League</td><td>IUML</td><td></td><td>03</td><td>02</td><td>15</td><td>Sadiq Ali Thangal</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Kerala Congress</td><td>KEC</td><td></td><td>01</td><td>00</td><td>02</td><td>P. J. Joseph</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Revolutionary Socialist Party</td><td>RSP</td><td></td><td>01</td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>Shibu Baby John</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Kerala Congress (Jacob)</td><td>KEC(J)</td><td></td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>01</td><td>Anoop Jacob</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Kerala Democratic Party</td><td>KDP</td><td></td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>01</td><td>Mani C. Kappan</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Revolutionary Marxist Party of India</td><td>RMPI</td><td></td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>01</td><td>N. Venu</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Communist Marxist Party</td><td>CMP</td><td></td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>C. P. John</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>All India Forward Bloc</td><td>AIFB</td><td></td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>T. Manoj Kumar</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Janathipathiya Samrakshana Samithy</td><td>JSS</td><td></td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>A. N. Rajan Babu</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>All India Trinamool Congress</td><td>AITC</td><td></td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>00</td><td>P. V. Anvar</td></tr></tbody></table>

Associate Members

• Kerala Pravasi Association • Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha

History

Antecedents

• Joint Front (Pattom and Sankar ministries) • Congress - Praja Socialist Party - Indian Union Muslim League (left 1961) • Congress-supported "Mini Front" or "Democratic Front" (Menon ministry) • Communist Party of India - Indian Union Muslim League - Kerala Congress - Indian Socialist Party • Congress-supported "United Front" • "Mini Front" or "Maxi Front" (Second Menon ministry) • Congress (from 1971) - Communist Party of India Indian Union Muslim League - Revolutionary Socialist Party - Praja Socialist Party - Kerala Congress (from 1975) • "Ruling Front" or "Maxi Front Revamped" (Karunakaran, Antony and P. K. V. ministries) • Congress - Communist Party of India - Kerala Congress - Indian Union Muslim League - Revolutionary Socialist Party • Indian Union Muslim League - Praja Socialist Party - National Democratic Party alliance (supported by Congress) (Koya ministry)

United Democratic Front (1979 – present)

The third-longest serving chief minister of Kerala, K. Karunakaran, was the founder of United Democratic Front

The United Democratic Front (UDF) was formed just before 1980 assembly election. In elections, the Front was defeated by the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front. However, the fall of the first Left Democratic Front ministry resulted in the 6th President's Rule in Kerala (1981).

United Democratic Front first came into power in Kerala in 1981 under K. Karunakaran. It led the Government of Kerala in 1982–87 (K. Karunakaran), 1991–96 (K. Karunakaran and A. K. Antony), 2001–06 (A. K. Antony and Oommen Chandy), and 2011–16 (Oommen Chandy). The alliance currently serves as the opposition in the Kerala Assembly.

• In the 2016 elections conducted to the Kerala state legislature, United Democratic Front managed to win 47 out of 140 seats to the assembly, and Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala was chosen as the Leader of Opposition. In 2019 Indian general election, the alliance won 19 out of 20 seats in the state. • In the last elections conducted to the Kerala state legislature in 2021, United Democratic Front managed to win 40 out of 140 seats to the assembly, and Congress leader V. D. Satheesan chosen as the Leader of Opposition. The alliance supported K. K. Rema for Vadakara Constituency who sits as a separate block.

Chief Ministers

Pre-United Democratic Front Chief Ministers (1956 – 1979)

• Pattom Thanu Pillai (1960–62) • R. Sankar (1962 – 64) • C. Achutha Menon (1970–77) • K. Karunakaran (1977) • A. K. Antony (1977 – 78) • P.K. Vasudevan Nair (1978–79) • C.H. Mohammed Koya (1979)

List of United Democratic Front Chief Ministers by length of term

United Democratic Front ministry in 1983 (3rd Karunakaran ministry, 1982 - 87)

United Democratic Front ministry in 1991 (4th Karunakaran ministry, 1991 - 95)

<table><thead><tr><th>No.</th><th>Name (Ministry)</th><th>Length of term</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Longest continuous term</td><td>Total years of premiership</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>K. Karunakaran (1918 - 2010)</td><td>4 years, 305 days (1982–87)</td><td>8 years, 315 days (four terms)</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>A. K. Antony (born 1940)</td><td>3 years, 74 days (2001–04)</td><td>5 years, 306 days (three terms)</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Oommen Chandy (born 1943)</td><td>5 years, 6 days (2011–16)</td><td>6 years, 256 days (two terms)</td></tr></tbody></table>

Leaders of Opposition (U. D. F)

United Democratic Front (Kerala)

• K. Karunakaran (1980–81, 87 - 91) • A. K. Antony (1996 - 2001) • Oommen Chandy (2006–11) • Ramesh Chennithala (2016–21) • V. D. Satheesan (2021–present)

United Democratic Front Conveners

United Democratic Front (Kerala)

P. J. Joseph served as the first United Democratic Front Convener (1980–82)

<table><thead><tr><th>Period</th><th>U D F Convener</th><th>Political affiliation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1979–80</td><td>Nil</td></tr><tr><td>1980–82</td><td>P. J. Joseph</td><td>Kerala Congress</td></tr><tr><td>1982–85</td><td>Oommen Chandy</td><td>Indian National Congress</td></tr><tr><td>1985–2001</td><td>K. Sankaranarayanan</td></tr><tr><td>2001–04</td><td>Oommen Chandy</td></tr><tr><td>2004–18</td><td>P. P. Thankachan</td></tr><tr><td>2018–20</td><td>Benny Behanan</td></tr><tr><td>2020-25</td><td>M. M. Hassan</td></tr><tr><td>2025-incumbent</td><td>Adoor Prakash</td></tr></tbody></table>

Legacy

K. Karunakaran

Cochin International Airport

The Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, was established by bifurcating University of Kerala during the period of 3rd Karunakaran ministry (1982 - 87). It was during the second U. D. F. government (Third Karunakaran ministry), that the last two districts of Kerala, namely Pathanamthitta and Kasaragod, were inaugurated, raising the total number of districts in Kerala to fourteen. During his third tenure as Chief Minister (1982–87), Karunakaran directly handled the Scheduled Castes Development. Kerala State Film Development Corporation was also introduced during the tenure of Karunakaran.

Chief Minister Karunakaran was instrumental in several infrastructure projects in Kerala which includes the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, and the Cochin International Airport, both of which were sanctioned during his 1991-95 stint as the Chief Minister. Vallarpadam Terminal, which later became the first transshipment terminal in India was other key project coined during the administration of Karunakaran. Other major infrastructure projects introduced during the terms of Karunakaran include the Goshree Bridges of Kochi, Guruvayur Railway Line, and Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant at Kayamkulam. The first phase of Kollam Bypass was completed in 1993.

A. K. Antony

Antony administration was instrumental in the establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology at Thiruvananthapuram. The InfoPark at Kochi was established in the year 2004. It was also under his administration that the Kannur University was created by bifurcating the University of Calicut. The University of Sanskrit was inaugurated in 1994. The Indian Institute of Management and the National Institute of Technology at Kozhikode were established in the years 1996 and 2002 respectively.

The Akshaya Project was implemented in 2002 to expand digital literacy in Kerala. During his tenure as Chief Minister, A. K. Antony introduced the Unemployment Allowance, Festival Allowance for the Kerala state employees.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, A. K. Antony introduced the prohibition of arrack in Kerala. It was at Chief Minister Antony's behest that the decision to construct the new Kerala Legislature Complex was taken in 1977. He also ordered the closure of the Kerala Coca-Cola plant in 2004 due to non-availability of drinking water in the plant area.

Oommen Chandy

It was also during tenure of Oommen Chandy that 12 new taluks, 28 new municipalities, and Kannur Municipal Corporation were formed. It was the largest taluk delimitation in the state of Kerala after 1957. The Kerala Urban Road Transport Corporation (KURTC) was formed under KSRTC in 2015 to manage affairs related to urban transportation.

Oommen Chandy in September 2015

The Chandy ministry established new Government Medical Colleges in Kerala (in 2013, after a gap of 31 years). The "Karunya Scheme" was implemented in the year 2011–12 for the free treatment of patients with cancer, haemophilia, kidney, and heart diseases. A number of organ implantation surgeries were done through the "Mruthasanjeevani Project". The Second Chandy ministry had also taken the decision to prohibit liquor in Kerala by discouraging bars. The number of political killings were relatively low (11) during the period 2011–16 in the state.

Rubber subsidy to ensure a minimum price of Rs 150/kg was implemented in 2015.

In 2005, Information Technology was made a compulsory subject for the school-level students. Victers TV, the children's television channel on EDUSAT for schools, was inaugurated in 2005. The National University of Advanced Legal Studies at Kochi was founded in 2005 and the Indian Institute of Technology at Palakkad was established in the year 2015. The universities founded in 2011–16 period include the Malayalam University at Tirur (2012) and Technological University at Thiruvananthapuram (2014). The National Institute of Visual Science and Arts at Kottayam was inaugurated in January 2016. Kerala was declared as the first complete digital state of India on 27 February 2016.

The Kerala Public Service Commission filled the vacant posts during 2011–16. As many as 167,096 job candidates were appointed, setting a record. As many as 46,223 posts were created in the same period. The Phase-3 of the Technopark at Thiruvananthapuram was inaugurated in 2014. The Taurus Downtown at Technopark was commenced during the period 2011–16. The phase-2 of InfoPark, Kochi was inaugurated in May 2015. Phase-2 of InfoPark Thrissur was completed during the same period. The Park Centre of Cybercity at Kozhikode was formally opened by IT Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty on 15 February 2014. UL Cyberpark at Kozhikode was inaugurated in January 2016. Chandy's regime was instrumental in beginning the construction of the Smart City Project.

Chandy received the United Nation's Public Service Award for his Mass Contact Programme ("Jana Samparkka Paripadi"). The government also sanctioned of Unemployment Allowance. Social welfare pension amounts and numbers were doubled during the second Chandy ministry. Old-age pension amounts were also increased. Other social welfare measures during Chandy reign include free ration for those who lost their employment. Free rice was given to those who did not belong to Above Poverty Line (APL). Food kits were distributed to the people during Onam, the Eid, and Christmas.

Chandy government constructed more than 400,000 houses for the homeless people in Kerala.

Chandy's regime was instrumental in beginning the construction of Kannur Airport, the Kochi Metro, and the Vizhinjam Port near Thiruvananthapuram. The Kochi-Mangalore GAIL pipeline was commissioned by the second Chandy ministry in 2013. In 2015, the Cochin Airport became the world's first fully solar powered airport. During his period, 227 road bridges worth nearly Rs 16 billion were built across Kerala.

A number of state highways were constructed under Chandy government and the final decision to widen the national highways of the state to 45 m were taken in 2014. Several "bypass" roads were also constructed.

Kerala Assembly Election results

United Democratic Front (Kerala)

<table><thead><tr><th>Election</th><th>Alliance leader</th><th>Seats won</th><th>Change in seats</th><th>Outcome</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1980</td><td>K. Karunakaran</td><td>46 / 140</td><td>New</td><td>Opposition, later Government</td></tr><tr><td>1982</td><td>77 / 140</td><td>31</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>1987</td><td>61 / 140</td><td>16</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td><td>90 / 140</td><td>29</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>A. K. Antony</td><td>59 / 140</td><td>31</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>99 / 140</td><td>40</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>2006</td><td>Oommen Chandy</td><td>42 / 140</td><td>57</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>72 / 140</td><td>30</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>47 / 140</td><td>25</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>Ramesh Chennithala</td><td>41 / 140</td><td>6</td><td>Opposition</td></tr></tbody></table>

Electoral history

<table><thead><tr><th>Mandate</th><th>Seats secured</th><th>Ruling coalition</th><th>Majority</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>LDF</td><td>UDF</td><td>Others</td></tr><tr><td>1980</td><td>93</td><td>46</td><td>1</td><td>LDF</td><td>47</td></tr><tr><td>1982</td><td>63</td><td>77</td><td>0</td><td>UDF</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>1987</td><td>78</td><td>61</td><td>1</td><td>LDF</td><td>17</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td><td>48</td><td>90</td><td>2</td><td>UDF</td><td>40</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>80</td><td>59</td><td>1</td><td>LDF</td><td>21</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>40</td><td>99</td><td>1</td><td>UDF</td><td>59</td></tr><tr><td>2006</td><td>98</td><td>42</td><td>0</td><td>LDF</td><td>56</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>68</td><td>72</td><td>0</td><td>UDF</td><td>04</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>91</td><td>47</td><td>2</td><td>LDF</td><td>44</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>99</td><td>41</td><td>0</td><td>LDF</td><td>59</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lok Sabha Electoral History

United Democratic Front (Kerala)

<table><thead><tr><th>Election</th><th>Seats won</th><th>Change in seats</th><th>Voteshare</th><th>Outcome</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1980</td><td>08 / 20</td><td>New</td><td></td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>1984</td><td>18 / 20</td><td>10</td><td>51.29%</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>17 / 20</td><td>1</td><td>49.29%</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td><td>16 / 20</td><td>1</td><td>48.59%</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>10 / 20</td><td>6</td><td>45.75%</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>11 / 20</td><td>1</td><td>46.08%</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>11 / 20</td><td></td><td>46.9%</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>2004</td><td>01 / 20</td><td>10</td><td>38.38%</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>16 / 20</td><td>15</td><td>47.73%</td><td>Government</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>12 / 20</td><td>4</td><td>41.98%</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>19 / 20</td><td>7</td><td>47.48%</td><td>Opposition</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>18 / 20</td><td>01</td><td>45.21%</td><td>Opposition</td></tr></tbody></table>

List of elected members

State legislature

Map of Kerala showing 2021 state Legislative Assembly election results

The United Democratic Front currently has 41 members in the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly. The alliance currently forms the Opposition in the Assembly.

Indian National Congress (INC) Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Kerala Congress (KEC) Kerala Congress (Jacob) (KC(J)) Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI) Kerala Democratic Party (KDP)

<table><thead><tr><th>No.</th><th>Constituency</th><th>Member</th><th>Party</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Kasaragod district</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Manjeshwaram</td><td>A. K. M. Ashraf</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Kasaragod</td><td>N. A. Nellikkunnu</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>Kannur district</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Irikkur</td><td>Sajeev Joseph</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Peravoor</td><td>Sunny Joseph</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Wayanad district</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Sulthan Bathery</td><td>I. C. Balakrishnan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Kalpetta</td><td>T Siddique</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Kozhikode district</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Koduvally</td><td>M. K. Muneer</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Vadakara</td><td>K. K. Rema</td><td>RMPI</td></tr><tr><td>Malappuram district</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Kondotty</td><td>T. V. Ibrahim</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Eranad</td><td>P. K. Basheer</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Wandoor</td><td>A. P. Anil Kumar</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Manjeri</td><td>U. A. Latheef</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Perinthalmanna</td><td>Najeeb Kanthapuram</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Mankada</td><td>Manjalamkuzhi Ali</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Malappuram</td><td>P. Ubaidulla</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td>Vengara</td><td>P. K. Kunhalikutty</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td>Vallikkunnu</td><td>P. Abdul Hameed</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td>Tirurangadi</td><td>K. P. A. Majeed</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td>Tirur</td><td>Kurukkoli Moideen</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>Kottakkal</td><td>K. K. Abid Hussain Thangal</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>Palakkad district</td></tr><tr><td>21</td><td>Mannarkkad</td><td>N. Samsudheen</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td>Palakkad</td><td>Rahul Mamkootathil</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Thrissur district</td></tr><tr><td>23</td><td>Chalakudy</td><td>T. J. Saneesh Kumar Joseph</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Ernakulam district</td></tr><tr><td>24</td><td>Perumbavoor</td><td>Eldhose Kunnappilly</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>25</td><td>Angamaly</td><td>Roji M. John</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>26</td><td>Aluva</td><td>Anwar Sadath</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>27</td><td>Paravur</td><td>V. D. Satheesan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>28</td><td>Thrippunithura</td><td>K. Babu</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>29</td><td>Ernakulam</td><td>T. J. Vinod</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>30</td><td>Thrikkakara</td><td>Uma Thomas</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>31</td><td>Piravom</td><td>Anoop Jacob</td><td>KC (J)</td></tr><tr><td>32</td><td>Muvattupuzha</td><td>Mathew Kuzhalnadan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Idukki district</td></tr><tr><td>33</td><td>Thodupuzha</td><td>P. J. Joseph</td><td>KEC</td></tr><tr><td>Kottayam district</td></tr><tr><td>34</td><td>Pala</td><td>Mani C. Kappan</td><td>Kerala Democratic Party</td></tr><tr><td>35</td><td>Kaduthuruthy</td><td>Monce Joseph</td><td>KEC</td></tr><tr><td>36</td><td>Kottayam</td><td>Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>37</td><td>Puthuppally</td><td>Chandy Oommen</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Alappuzha district</td></tr><tr><td>38</td><td>Haripad</td><td>Ramesh Chennithala</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Kollam district</td></tr><tr><td>39</td><td>Karunagappally</td><td>C. R. Mahesh</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>40</td><td>Kundara</td><td>P. C. Vishnunadh</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>Thiruvananthapuram district</td></tr><tr><td>41</td><td>Kovalam</td><td>M. Vincent</td><td>INC</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lok Sabha

Out of the 20 Lok Sabha (House of the People) constituencies in Kerala, 18 were won by the United Democratic Front in 2024 Lok Sabha election.

2024 Indian general election

The following is the list of United Democratic Front Lok Sabha members from the state of Kerala:

INC IUML RSP

<table><thead><tr><th>No.</th><th>Parliamentary Constituency</th><th>Member (M. P.)</th><th>Party affiliation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Kasaragod</td><td>Rajmohan Unnithan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Kannur</td><td>K. Sudhakaran</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Vatakara</td><td>Shafi Parambil</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Wayanad</td><td>Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Kozhikode</td><td>M. K. Raghavan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Malappuram</td><td>E. T. Muhammed Basheer</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Ponnani</td><td>M.P. Abdussamad Samadani</td><td>IUML</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Palakkad</td><td>V. K. Sreekandan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Chalakudy</td><td>Benny Behanan</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Ernakulam</td><td>Hibi Eden</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Idukki</td><td>Dean Kuriakose</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Kottayam</td><td>K. Francis George</td><td>KEC</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Alappuzha</td><td>K. C. Venugopal</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Mavelikkara</td><td>Kodikunnil Suresh</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Pathanamthitta</td><td>Anto Antony Punnathaniyil</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td>Kollam</td><td>N. K. Premachandran</td><td>RSP</td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td>Attingal</td><td>Adoor Prakash</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td>Thiruvananthapuram</td><td>Shashi Tharoor</td><td>INC</td></tr></tbody></table>

Rajya Sabha

The following is the list of United Democratic Front Rajya Sabha members from the state of Kerala:

INC IUML

<table><thead><tr><th>No.</th><th>State</th><th>Member (M. P.)</th><th>Party affiliation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Kerala</td><td>Jebi Mather</td><td>INC</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>P. V. Abdul Wahab</td><td>IUML</td></tr></tbody></table>