Counting for the Kerala Assembly elections commenced today, revealing a potential shift in power dynamics. With 79.63% of the 2.71 crore registered voters participating on April 9, exit polls suggest the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) could secure between 80-90 seats, a significant increase from the 41 seats it won in 2021. The UDF has been out of power since 2016, and discussions about a chief ministerial candidate have already begun, indicating confidence among its ranks. In contrast, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is facing a challenging day with expectations of retaining only 75-80 seats, down from 99. A loss would be historic, marking the first time since the 1960s that the Left would lack a state government in India. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also looking to capitalize on recent local election gains, hoping to expand its influence in the state after previously failing to win any seats in 2021.