The voting in Kerala is taking place today from 7 am to 6 pm across all 140 constituencies and a total of 883 candidates are in the fray.
ALSO READ: Assembly Elections 2026 Live: Voting begins in Assam, Kerala & Puducherry
Kerala elections 2026: Fight between LDF vs UDF vs BJP
The Kerala elections, though triangular in appearance, remain largely shaped by the state’s traditionally bipolar contest between the LDF and the UDF. The outcome will be crucial in determining whether Kerala continues its pattern of alternating governments or moves towards a political shift.
For the CPM-led LDF, this election is a high-stakes battle as it seeks a rare third consecutive term in a state known for strong anti-incumbency trends. Led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the LDF is highlighting its 10-year governance record, focusing on infrastructure development, welfare initiatives, and effective crisis management.
However, the ruling front faces challenges, including signs of anti-incumbency, setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and recent losses in local body polls. In response, the LDF is stressing continuity, stability, and delivery, while rejecting opposition allegations of corruption and misgovernance.Meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF views the Kerala elections as a key opportunity to return to power, banking on the state’s alternating voting pattern and growing public dissatisfaction with the incumbent government. The UDF has built its campaign around governance concerns, alleged corruption, and criticism of Vijayan’s leadership style.
It has also sharpened its political attack by alleging a tacit understanding between the CPM and the BJP, while accusing the Left of links with the SDPI, associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). The UDF is positioning itself as the principal force to counter the BJP’s rise in Kerala while aiming to consolidate its traditional support base.
For the BJP-led NDA, the Kerala elections mark a crucial phase in its push to expand its footprint in the state’s Assembly politics. Despite steadily increasing its vote share over the years, the alliance has so far been unable to win a seat in the Assembly.
The NDA is positioning itself as a viable alternative to both the LDF and the UDF, arguing that Kerala has not seen sufficient development under either front. Encouraged by its improved performance in local body elections, including its victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the alliance is now aiming to translate its growing vote share into actual seats in the Assembly.
Pinarayi Vijayan to Rajeev Chandrasekhar: Key contestants in Kerala elections
Pinarayi Vijayan: The Chief Minister and veteran Left leader is leading the LDF campaign amid anti-incumbency. The face of the CPI(M)-led alliance, he is seeking a third consecutive term from Dharmadam, a seat he won in 2016 and 2021.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar: Former Union Minister and BJP’s Kerala unit chief, he is a key NDA candidate contesting from Nemom in Thiruvananthapuram. He had lost the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat in 2024 to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
K K Shailaja: A prominent LDF face, the former minister is contesting from Peravoor in Kannur. She earlier won from Mattanur and gained national recognition for handling the Nipah and COVID-19 crises.
V Muraleedharan: Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister, he is contesting from Kazhakootam. Despite limited electoral success, his candidature reflects the BJP’s strategy to strengthen its base in Kerala.
Chandy Oommen: A popular Congress leader in the UDF, he is recontesting from Puthuppally in Kottayam. Son of former CM Oommen Chandy, he won the seat in the 2023 bypoll following his father’s demise.
Kerala polls: Key constituencies
North Kerala (Kasaragod & Kannur)
- Manjeshwaram, Kasaragod, Udma, Kanhangad, Trikaripur
- Payyanur, Kalliasseri, Taliparamba, Irikkur, Azhikode
- Kannur, Dharmadom, Thalassery, Kuthuparamba, Mattanur, Peravoor
Wayanad Region
- Mananthavady (ST), Sulthan Bathery (ST), Kalpetta
Kozhikode Region
- Vatakara, Kuttiady, Nadapuram, Koyilandy, Perambra
- Balussery (SC), Elathur, Kozhikode North, Kozhikode South, Beypore
- Kunnamangalam, Koduvally, Thiruvambady
Malappuram Region
- Kondotty, Eranad, Nilambur, Wandoor (SC), Manjeri
- Perinthalmanna, Mankada, Malappuram, Vengara, Vallikkunnu
- Tirurangadi, Tanur, Tirur, Kottakkal
Palakkad Region
- Thavanur, Ponnani, Thrithala, Pattambi, Shornur, Ottapalam
- Kongad (SC), Mannarkkad, Malampuzha, Palakkad, Tarur (SC)
- Chittur, Nenmara, Alathur
Thrissur Region
- Chelakkara (SC), Kunnamkulam, Guruvayur, Manalur, Wadakkanchery
- Ollur, Thrissur, Nattika (SC), Kaipamangalam, Irinjalakuda
- Puthukkad, Chalakudy, Kodungallur
Ernakulam Region
- Perumbavoor, Angamaly, Aluva, Kalamassery, Paravur, Vypin
- Kochi, Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Thrikkakara
- Kunnathunad (SC), Piravom, Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam
Idukki Region
- Devikulam (SC), Udumbanchola, Thodupuzha, Idukki, Peerumade
Kottayam Region
- Pala, Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom (SC), Ettumanoor, Kottayam
- Puthuppally, Changanassery, Kanjirappally, Poonjar
Alappuzha Region
- Aroor, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad
- Haripad, Kayamkulam, Mavelikara (SC), Chengannur
Pathanamthitta Region
- Thiruvalla, Ranni, Aranmula, Konni, Adoor (SC)
Kollam Region
- Karunagapally, Chavara, Kunnathur (SC), Kottarakkara
- Pathanapuram, Punalur, Chadayamangalam, Kundara
- Kollam, Eravipuram, Chathannoor
Thiruvananthapuram Region
- Varkala, Attingal (SC), Chirayinkeezhu (SC), Nedumangad
- Vamanapuram, Kazhakkoottam, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram
- Nemom, Aruvikkara, Parassala, Kattakkada, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara
Key factors
Here are the 5 key factors that could decide the Kerala elections verdict, rewritten in pointers:
Anti-incumbency vs continuity: A major question is whether voters will back the ruling LDF for a rare third term or return to Kerala’s tradition of changing governments.
Governance and performance: The LDF is banking on its record in welfare, infrastructure, and crisis management, while the opposition is highlighting issues of governance and corruption.
Welfare promises and delivery: All parties are focusing heavily on welfare schemes, jobs, healthcare, and development, but voters will judge them on credibility and ability to deliver.
Identity politics and voter mobilisation: Caste, religion, and community-based outreach are playing a bigger role this time, marking a shift in Kerala’s traditional political narrative.
Voter mood and key issues: Factors like unemployment, economic concerns, youth engagement, and local issues are expected to influence the final outcome in what is seen as a closely fought election.
