Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Key Seats In Three-Way Contest Between LDF, UDF, BJP
Elections Overview
Kerala is set to cast its votes for a new Assembly on Thursday, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The elections are primarily a contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). In addition, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is making efforts to expand its foothold in the state. The Kerala Assembly comprises 140 seats, with a party needing at least 71 to secure a majority.
Dharmadam: Pinarayi’s Hat-Trick Bid
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is once again running from the Dharmadam constituency in Kannur district, seeking to win this seat for a third consecutive term. This marks Vijayan’s seventh participation in Assembly elections; he has previously won three times from Kuthuparamba and once from Payyannur. In the current election, he faces V P Abdul Rasheed from the UDF and K Ranjith from the BJP. The Dharmadam constituency encompasses the panchayats of Ancharakandi, Chembilode, Kadambur, Muzhappilangad, Peralassery, Dharmadam, Pinarayi, and Vengad, which are all governed by the LDF. While the LDF enjoys a robust presence in the area, the NDA claims three seats in the Dharmadam Grama Panchayat. Historically, the UDF has faced challenges in this constituency but is aiming for a notable performance in this election.
Nemom: A Key Battleground For BJP
Nemom is critical for the BJP as it seeks to reclaim a seat won in the 2016 elections. The campaign in this constituency is led by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP state president, following a notable performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The party is optimistic about transforming its previous support into a win. V. Sivankutty, the current Education and Labour Minister from the LDF, is a contender in this race, having narrowly won the seat in 2021. Sivankutty, a well-known local figure referred to as Sivankuttyannan, emphasizes his administrative experience and success in implementing state projects. The Congress party is also fielding KS Sabarinadhan, a former legislator and councilor, who aims to leverage his strong connections with voters, demonstrated in past electoral contests, including the 2025 Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections.
Vattiyoorkavu: Set For Three-Way Thriller
Vattiyoorkavu has emerged as a highly anticipated constituency in the elections. The key candidates include sitting MLA V.K. Prashanth from the CPM-led LDF, senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan, and former Kerala DGP R. Sreelekha for the BJP-led NDA. Prashanth, who was first elected in a by-election in 2019 and subsequently re-elected in 2021, is focusing his campaign on continuity and his accomplishments in the constituency. Muraleedharan, a former KPCC president and son of the late Congress leader K. Karunakaran, seeks to return to office after previously holding the seat and campaigning actively during the 2025 local body elections. Sreelekha’s candidacy has bolstered the BJP’s presence in this urban constituency, where the party has increased its support in recent years, particularly noted in the 2025 Lok Sabha elections.
Peravoor: Shailaja vs KPCC President
The constituency of Peravoor is gearing up for a competitive race featuring two prominent leaders. Sunny Joseph, a three-time MLA and the current president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has represented Peravoor since 2011 and has developed a loyal support base due to his grassroots engagement over the years. He faces K.K. Shailaja from the CPM, acclaimed for her exemplary leadership during significant public health crises, including the Nipah outbreak and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shailaja has previously won the Peravoor seat in 2006 and again in 2021, making her a formidable candidate in this election.
Follow US
https://www.facebook.com/charchaexpress
https://www.youtube.com/@charcha-express
https://www.instagram.com/charcha.express/
Contents
Elections OverviewKerala is set to cast its votes for a new Assembly on Thursday, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The elections are primarily a contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). In addition, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is making efforts to expand its foothold in the state. The Kerala Assembly comprises 140 seats, with a party needing at least 71 to secure a majority.Dharmadam: Pinarayi’s Hat-Trick BidChief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is once again running from the Dharmadam constituency in Kannur district, seeking to win this seat for a third consecutive term. This marks Vijayan’s seventh participation in Assembly elections; he has previously won three times from Kuthuparamba and once from Payyannur. In the current election, he faces V P Abdul Rasheed from the UDF and K Ranjith from the BJP. The Dharmadam constituency encompasses the panchayats of Ancharakandi, Chembilode, Kadambur, Muzhappilangad, Peralassery, Dharmadam, Pinarayi, and Vengad, which are all governed by the LDF. While the LDF enjoys a robust presence in the area, the NDA claims three seats in the Dharmadam Grama Panchayat. Historically, the UDF has faced challenges in this constituency but is aiming for a notable performance in this election.Nemom: A Key Battleground For BJPNemom is critical for the BJP as it seeks to reclaim a seat won in the 2016 elections. The campaign in this constituency is led by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP state president, following a notable performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The party is optimistic about transforming its previous support into a win. V. Sivankutty, the current Education and Labour Minister from the LDF, is a contender in this race, having narrowly won the seat in 2021. Sivankutty, a well-known local figure referred to as Sivankuttyannan, emphasizes his administrative experience and success in implementing state projects. The Congress party is also fielding KS Sabarinadhan, a former legislator and councilor, who aims to leverage his strong connections with voters, demonstrated in past electoral contests, including the 2025 Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections.Vattiyoorkavu: Set For Three-Way ThrillerVattiyoorkavu has emerged as a highly anticipated constituency in the elections. The key candidates include sitting MLA V.K. Prashanth from the CPM-led LDF, senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan, and former Kerala DGP R. Sreelekha for the BJP-led NDA. Prashanth, who was first elected in a by-election in 2019 and subsequently re-elected in 2021, is focusing his campaign on continuity and his accomplishments in the constituency. Muraleedharan, a former KPCC president and son of the late Congress leader K. Karunakaran, seeks to return to office after previously holding the seat and campaigning actively during the 2025 local body elections. Sreelekha’s candidacy has bolstered the BJP’s presence in this urban constituency, where the party has increased its support in recent years, particularly noted in the 2025 Lok Sabha elections.Peravoor: Shailaja vs KPCC PresidentThe constituency of Peravoor is gearing up for a competitive race featuring two prominent leaders. Sunny Joseph, a three-time MLA and the current president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has represented Peravoor since 2011 and has developed a loyal support base due to his grassroots engagement over the years. He faces K.K. Shailaja from the CPM, acclaimed for her exemplary leadership during significant public health crises, including the Nipah outbreak and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shailaja has previously won the Peravoor seat in 2006 and again in 2021, making her a formidable candidate in this election.
