Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday resigned as Keralam Chief Minister following the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) crushing defeat in the April 9 assembly elections, ending a decade-long tenure in office, PTI reported.  Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar accepted the resignation and requested Vijayan to continue as caretaker chief minister until alternative arrangements are made, according to a Raj Bhavan statement. UDF sweeps to power with decisive mandate The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a resounding victory, winning 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, while the CPI(M)-led LDF managed just 35 seats, according to Election Commission data. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opened its account in the state assembly by winning three seats. End of Left rule in state The outcome marks the end of Left governance in Keralam and, significantly, its absence from power in any Indian state for the first time in five decades. Strong anti-incumbency and consolidation of votes in favour of the UDF were seen as key factors behind the sweeping verdict. Major setbacks for LDF leaders The electoral setback was severe for …