As counting of votes for the Kerala Assembly elections progresses, strong indications have emerged that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised for a comeback. Several CPI(M) citadels are under strain, with key leaders and ministers trailing in their seats. Vote against the Vijayan factor One of the factors that worked against the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) is the Pinarayi Vijayan factor. The two-term Chief Minister was the sole face of the LDF’s campaign, effectively turning the election into a referendum on his leadership and style of governance. Across all 140 seats, the LDF projected Vijayan, eclipsing individual candidates. For voters, the choice became one of supporting or opposing him. Even in constituencies where LDF candidates or sitting legislators had strong track records and clean images, the Vijayan factor appears to have worked against them.…