Kerala Elections 2026 News

Strong rooms, unsealed rooms shouldn't be opened under any circumstance: EC

The direction was issued following reports of a strong room storing EVMs in Perambra constituency in Kozhikode being opened and reported plans to open another one in Nenmara constituency in Palakkad

Why welfare remains central in Kerala's politics despite rising public debt

Rising debt and shrinking fiscal space have not weakened welfare politics in Kerala. Despite warnings from CAG and RBI, parties continue to rely on welfarism during elections

Kerala polls: Five key seats, five candidates to watch out on May 4

With voting complete across Kerala's 140 constituencies, the fate of over 883 candidates has been sealed. All eyes now turn to May 4. Here are five key seats and candidates to watch

Kerala records over 78% voter turnout in high-stakes Assembly polls

The strong turnout will decide whether the ruling LDF secures a straight third term, the UDF makes a comeback, or the BJP springs a surprise in an otherwise bipolar contest

Assembly polls: Assam records 59% voter turnout by 1 pm, 49% in Keralam

The polling trends in the Union Territory of Puducherry showed a sizeable voter turnout of 56.83 per cent

Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Can welfare shield LDF from anti-incumbency?

Kerala, a state defined by fronts rather than faces, is heading into a high-stakes election. With welfare etched at the core of its political identity, what other factors are shaping the battlefield?

Kerala polls: EC seeks removal of political ads from online platforms

The instruction was circulated by the EC's Kerala office in an official WhatsApp group comprising media groups and journalists

Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Make or break for Left and Congress

For the CPI(M), a victory is essential to preserve its last bastion in the country. The CPI(M) has remained relevant in Kerala even as it was voted out of power in West Bengal and Tripura

15th Kerala Legislative Assembly meets less but pushes laws faster

Despite fewer sittings, Kerala Assembly saw faster lawmaking and high committee use, raising concerns over compressed scrutiny and limited legislative deliberation

Kerala Assembly polls: Criminal cases steady, crorepati candidates surge

Nearly 40 per cent candidates face criminal cases while share of crorepatis rises to 39 per cent, underlining entrenched criminalisation and growing role of money in elections

CPI(M) in 'deal' with BJP for April 9 polls in Kerala: Priyanka Gandhi

The Wayanad MP also accused the ruling LDF of 'compromising' on ideology, accountability, and responsibility in order to remain in power for 10 years

Kerala CM releases progress report, claims 97% of 2021 promises fulfilled

Vijayan, who leads the LDF for the April 9 polls, stated that in 2021, 900 promises were placed before the people in the manifesto out of which 97% have already been fulfilled

Poll pulse: Two Thiruvananthapuram seats hold key to Kerala BJP plan

Nemom and Kazhakkoottam emerge as key battlegrounds as BJP looks to convert recent gains into Assembly seats amid voter churn and local issues

A corporate model goes political: Twenty20 may disrupt Kerala politics

Kitex-backed Twenty20 enters Kerala's Assembly polls with NDA, pitching its Kizhakkambalam model as a disruptor in the state's bipolar political landscape

Kerala Assembly polls not to change govt but improve state's future: Shah

He wished Christian community on Easter and called on them to support NDA to form government in Kerala

Hidden BJP-RSS-LDF hand influencing Keralam elections: Rahul Gandhi

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi questioned his silence on the alleged Sabarimala temple gold controversy. "Chief Minister has full access to the Prime Minister, to the Home Minister

No ads by political parties in media on Apr 8, 9 without MCMC clearance: EC

The directive stated that offending, misleading, or inflammatory advertisements published in print media during the final stages of an election can vitiate the entire electoral process

Rahul Gandhi says Kerala CM Pinarayi linked to those 'attacking' minorities

Rahul Gandhi also accused the LDF government in Kerala, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, of having a tacit understanding with the BJP

Kerala elections: Ageing voters in state seek pensions, security, dignity

As the LDF, UDF and NDA roll out promises tailored to this segment, Kerala's elderly are weighing not just what is being offered but also who can deliver with consistency and compassion

Shashi Tharoor's gunman, driver attacked in Kerala's Malappuram, one held

The incident took place when there was a roadblock at the Chelithode bridge as Tharoor was on his way to attend an election campaign event