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As Monday morning approaches, the political atmosphere in Kerala remains tense. An atmosphere of restlessness and waiting is being seen in all political parties, which is being felt beyond party boundaries.

This is a crucial time for the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This election is being considered a big test for them, in which it will be decided whether the Left parties will be able to return to power for the third consecutive time and create history.

This is an opportunity for the Congress-led United Democratic Front to return to power.

The goal for the Bharatiya Janata Party is a little limited but important. After losing its only seat in 2021, it wants to register its victory again and if it gets good support, it will try to increase its influence further.

Counting of votes will start at 8 am, in which postal and service votes will be counted first. After this, counting of votes cast in EVMs will also start by 8:30 am, due to which initial trends will start emerging. These trends can only indicate the situation for the entire day ahead.

The effect of tension could be clearly felt even in normal political conversations on Saturday morning. Trying for the third consecutive victory, State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian expressed full confidence about his victory. Yet, moving beyond his personal expectations, he seemed to focus more on the larger challenges facing the Left.

When he met acquaintances over his daily morning coffee, Cherian repeatedly asked the same question, “Will the Left not come back to power?”

These answers, often given with smiles rather than words, reflected the uncertainty that has now become the hallmark of this election.

Despite leaders publicly expressing confidence, the lack of any clear and decisive message has created a situation of doubt on all sides.

If Cherian wins from his Chengannur seat, he will create a new history. The reason for this is his government house, ‘Manmohan Bungalow’, which people consider inauspicious. There is a belief that whoever lives in this bungalow is either unable to complete his tenure as a minister, or loses the election again. If Cherian wins, he will break this superstition.

This bet is historic for the left. If he wins for the third consecutive time, it could change the long-standing electoral pattern in Kerala.

For the UDF, this contest is being seen as a sign of a possible return to power based on changes in voter thinking. Meanwhile, BJP’s performance will be closely monitored for signs of its gradual rise.

As the morning dawns on the day of counting, one thing is certain, the heartbeats of the people have increased and by the afternoon Kerala may get a more clear answer to its most important political question.