The 2026 election results in Kerala signaled a significant setback for Pinarayi Vijayan, with voters appearing to vote against him. This shift was fueled by dissent among left-leaning voters, who had traditionally supported the CPI(M). Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan recognized this dissent and used it as an electoral strategy. The Congress aimed to position itself as the true Nehruvian left and repeatedly criticized the CPI(M). The victories of ousted CPI(M) rebels highlighted the extent of the internal dissent. Critics accused the government of arrogance and authoritarian tendencies, leading to voter dissatisfaction. The government's actions, including confrontations and alleged extrajudicial killings, were seen as going against left-wing principles. The BJP saw its best performance in the state, although a large-scale shift of cadres to the BJP fold isn't expected immediately. Political scientist J. Prabhash noted the RSS's attempts to expand BJP growth through social spaces, and the shift towards 'soft hindutva' by the left. The long-term implications of these shifts remain to be seen.