​THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – In a dramatic turn of events following the 2026 Assembly Elections, the political stage in Kerala has been set for a high-stakes rematch. Just six hours after V.D. Satheesan was officially declared the Chief Minister of Kerala, the CPI(M) state committee announced outgoing CM Pinarayi Vijayan as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).
​The move ensures that the fierce rivalry witnessed during the 2021–2026 term will continue into the 2026–2031 tenure, albeit with the power dynamics flipped.
Observers Weigh In
While the CPI(M) views Pinarayi Vijayan as the strongest voice to hold the new government accountable, some political analysts suggest this might play into the hands of the UDF. Critics argue that after facing a significant electoral setback against Satheesan’s campaign, Pinarayi’s transition to the opposition benches might offer a “home-ground advantage” to the new Chief Minister.
