Kerala Assembly Election Results 2026 | CPI(M) faces rebel blow with defectors leading in strongholds

In a striking setback for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), three of its former leaders contesting as rebels have taken early leads in the 2026 Kerala Assembly election counting.

As of 12 pm, V K Kunhikrishnan is leading from Payyannur by 5,459 votes, ahead of CPI(M)’s T. I. Madhusoodanan, according to Election Commission data.

In Taliparamba, T. K. Govindan Master has surged ahead with a margin of 7,206 votes over CPI(M) candidate P. K. Shyamala Teacher.

Meanwhile, former minister G. Sudhakaran is leading from Ambalappuzha by 7,774 votes.

The early trends suggest that dissent within the CPI(M), particularly in its traditional strongholds, may be translating into electoral setbacks, with rebel candidates emerging as serious contenders.

As of 12 pm, the UDF is leading in 98 of the total 140 seats while the LDF is leading in 40 and NDA in 2.