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Politics in Kerala takes place in a multi-party democratic framework, within the overall context of the national Politics of India. Kerala has a unique position in India, as one of the most politicalized state. The state holds an unbroken position of having largest politically aware population, who participate in state's politics actively. It has 20 parliamentary seats and was the first Indian state to vote for the communists.[1]
Politics in Kerala is dominated by two political fronts: the Communist party-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Indian National Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) since late 1970s. These two parties have alternating in power since 1982. Most of the major political parties in Kerala, except for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), belong to one or the other of these two alliances, often shifting allegiances a number of time. In Kerala, it is difficult for a single party to contest and win even a single seat, because the voter perception is towards voting for a front. The BJP has not been able to register its presence in the assembly in spite of the fact that it is the third largest party in Kerala after Congress and CPM. [2]. According to 2011 Kerala Legislative Assembly election results, the UDF has a majority in the state assembly (72/140).
The political alliance have strongly stabilized in such a manner that, with rare exceptions, most of the coalition partners stick their loyalty to the alliance. As a result to this, ever since 1979, the power has been clearly alternating between these two fronts without any change. Politics in Kerala is characterised by continually shifting alliances, party mergers and splits, factionalism within the coalitions and within political parties, and numerous splinter groups.[3]
In terms of individual parties, the state has a strong leanings towards socialism and thus Communist parties have strong inroads in Kerala. The Malabar region, particularly Kannur and Palakkad are considered to heartland of Communist parties. The Kollam and Alapuzha districts, where trade unions have made strong presence, are generally inclined to Left parties, though several times UDF have won. The largest Communist party is CPIM and second largest is CPI
Indian National Congress have a very strong presence in Kerala, even during Pre-Independence days. Congress party has strong popularity in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram regions. Congress leads the UDF coalition.
Other popular regional parties are
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The two main political coalitions in Kerala are the leftist Left Democratic Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the secularist United Democratic Front, led by the Indian National Congress party. Since the early 1980s these two coalitions have alternated in government in opposition, with neither Front able to gain re-election for a second term. Clashes between supporters of the two coalitions have occurred periodically. Both the INC and the CPI(M) have accused the other of corruption, promoting or condoning political violence, and "the general breakdown of law and order" during their periods in government.[5]
The Student Federation of India (SFI) is the powerful student arm of the CPI(M), while the Kerala Student Union (KSU) is a pioneer of the students’ movement of the INC. The two major parties and their student wings have a long history of enmity in Kerala.[6]
Results for the Kerala Legislative Assembly have been:
| Year | UDF | LDF | Others | Government (majority) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 77 | 63 | - | UDF (14) |
| 1987 | 61 | 78 | 1 | LDF (16) |
| 1991 | 90 | 48 | 2 | UDF (40) |
| 1996 | 65 | 70 | 5 | LDF (0) |
| 2001 | 99 | 40 | 1 | UDF (58) |
| 2006 | 40 | 99 | 1 | LDF (58) |
| 2011 | 72 | 68 | - | UDF (38) |
| (Source) |
| Parties and blocs | Votes | % | Seats | +/– |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Left Democratic Front | 7,558,834 | 48.63 | 99 | +56 |
| United Democratic Front | 6,679,557 | 42.98 | 40 | -56 |
| Total (turnout 72.25%) | 15,542,679 | 100 | 140 | — |
Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Politics_of_Kerala Politics of Kerala] at Wikimedia Commons
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