Kerala Election 2026 LIVE: Kerala has started voting for next big political showdown to choose 140 members of the Legislative Assembly on 9 April 2026. The counting of votes will take place on 4 May 2026.
The current assembly’s term ends on 23 May 2026, with the last election held in April 2021. Back then, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) returned to power, securing 99 out of 140 seats, and Pinarayi Vijayan continued as Chief Minister.
According to the Election Commission of India, Kerala has 26,953,644 eligible voters, including 13,126,048 males, 13,827,319 females, and 277 transgender voters.
Let us give you a quick background of contesting parties.
Left Democratic Front (LDF)
The LDF, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), is the ruling alliance in Kerala. For the 2026 elections, the alliance has announced its seat-sharing plan as follows:
| Party | Leader | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Communist Party of India (Marxist) | M. V. Govindan | 80 |
| Communist Party of India | Binoy Viswam | 21 |
| Kerala Congress (Mani) | Jose K. Mani | 12 |
| Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) | Thomas K. Thomas | 3 |
| Rashtriya Janata Dal | M. V. Shreyams Kumar | 3 |
| Indian Socialist Janata Dal | Mathew T. Thomas | 1 |
| Indian National League | Ahamed Devarkovil | 1 |
| Congress (Secular) | Kadannappalli Ramachandran | 1 |
| Kerala Congress (B) | K. B. Ganesh Kumar | 1 |
| Revolutionary Socialist Party (Leninist) | Kovoor Kunjumon | 1 |
| Independents | – | 16 |
| Total | – | 140 |
United Democratic Front (UDF)
The UDF, led by the Indian National Congress, is the main opposition alliance. Its seat-sharing for the 2026 elections is as follows:
| Party | Leader | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Indian National Congress | Sunny Joseph | 92 |
| Indian Union Muslim League | Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal | 26 |
| Kerala Congress | P. J. Joseph | 8 |
| Revolutionary Socialist Party | Shibu Baby John | 4 |
| Kerala Congress (Jacob) | Anoop Jacob | 1 |
| Revolutionary Marxist Party of India | N. Venu | 1 |
| Communist Marxist Party | C. P. John | 1 |
| Independents | – | 7 |
| Total | – | 140 |
National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
The NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is trying to expand its presence in the state. The NDA’s seat-sharing plan for 2026 is:
| Party | Leader | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatiya Janata Party | Rajeev Chandrasekhar | 98 |
| Bharath Dharma Jana Sena | Thushar Vellapally | 22 |
| Twenty20 Party | Sabu M. Jacob | 19 |
| Independent | – | 1 |
| Total | – | 140 |
Other parties
Aam Aadmi Party is also contesting in the 2026 elections, although on a smaller scale.
| Party | Leader | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Aam Aadmi Party | Vinod Mathew Wilson | 60 |
Kerala has witnessed intense campaigning across all 140 constituencies. Citizens, parties, and election observers are gearing up for a closely watched political contest now.
Kerala records 77.50 per cent voter turnout in 2026 Assembly polls: ECI Data
High voter turnout marked the single-phase Assembly elections held on Thursday in Assam, Keralam, and Puducherry. According to the latest Election Commission data at 7.30 PM, Keralam also witnessed significant participation at 77.50 per cent.
Keralam Assembly speaker AN Shamseer cast his vote at Polling Booth No. 74, during the ongoing assembly polls.
Congress MP from Kannur, K Sudhakaran, also cast his vote at Kizhunna South UP School, Polling Booth No. 157.
The Supreme Patriarch of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, cast his vote at SCS School in the Thiruvalla constituency.
Pathanamthitta, Kerala: The Supreme Patriarch of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, cast his vote at SCS School in the Thiruvalla constituency pic.twitter.com/fFW8RceGi7
— IANS (@ians_india) April 9, 2026
Newlyweds cast their vote at Kalamasseri, Ernakulam
Approximate voter turnout till 5 PM recorded at 75.01%
According to the Election Commission's data released at 5 PM, around 75.01 per cent voter turnout was recorded by 5 pm.
In Keralam, over 2.6 crore electors were eligible to decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 constituencies. Of the 2,69,53,644 registered voters across the state, there are 1,38,27,319 women voters, and the number of male voters stands at 1,31,26,048. Officials said that there are 277 third-gender voters in the state.
‘AI Video’ claim by Sobha Surendran triggers political row in Palakkad
Sobha Surendran rejected a viral video that allegedly showed money being distributed to voters in Palakkad. She said the clip was “AI-generated” and claimed there was no proof of cash distribution.
She also stated that the woman seen in the video had denied receiving money, but this was not highlighted in media reports.
Surendran accused a section of the media of targeting her and said she had filed a complaint against a reporter. She further alleged that Shafi Parambil was behind the controversy and mentioned links with Jamaat-e-Islami and Popular Front of India.
Bogus voting claims trigger protests at multiple booths in Kerala
Voting in Kerala was largely peaceful on Thursday, but minor protests were reported at several polling booths over allegations of bogus voting.
In Thrissur, a brief scuffle broke out in Manalur between Congress and BJP workers after the arrival of UDF candidate TN Prathapan. Police said BJP activists allegedly stopped people accompanying him from entering the booth premises.
In another incident in Wadakkanchery, also in Thrissur, a voter named Sanjeev was unable to cast his vote after officials informed him that his vote had already been recorded as a postal ballot.
The situation led to protests by BJP workers. Later, BJP candidate TS Ullas Babu also staged a protest at the booth.
Bogus voting claims trigger protests at multiple booths in Kerala
Voting in Kerala was largely peaceful on Thursday, but minor protests were reported at several polling booths over allegations of bogus voting.
In Thrissur, a brief scuffle broke out in Manalur between Congress and BJP workers after the arrival of UDF candidate TN Prathapan. Police said BJP activists allegedly stopped people accompanying him from entering the booth premises.
In another incident in Wadakkanchery, also in Thrissur, a voter named Sanjeev was unable to cast his vote after officials informed him that his vote had already been recorded as a postal ballot.
The situation led to protests by BJP workers. Later, BJP candidate TS Ullas Babu also staged a protest at the booth.
Itching powder thrown at UDF agent sparks tension in Peravur: Reports
A tense situation was reported at a polling booth in Peravur after a United Democratic Front (UDF) booth agent was allegedly targeted during voting. The incident happened at Government UP School in Muzhakkunnu under the Peravur Assembly constituency.
Reports state that Sajitha Mohanan, who was representing candidate Sunny Joseph, had itching powder thrown at her.
The act caused discomfort and briefly disturbed the polling process. Officials later intervened and the situation was brought under control.
Action against UDF agent for camera glasses in Kasaragod
Poll officials took action against a United Democratic Front (UDF) agent after he allegedly entered a polling booth wearing camera-equipped glasses in the Uduma constituency of Kasaragod.
BM Jamal, chief election agent of UDF candidate K Neelakandan, came to booth number 165 at Bekal Islamia ALP School with the device. Left Democratic Front workers noticed the embedded camera and raised objections, saying it violated polling rules.
Jamal later said he uses the glasses regularly and did not know they had a camera. After a complaint, the presiding officer and police stepped in and seized the glasses.
A brief tense situation followed as party workers argued at the booth, but police quickly restored order and polling continued normally.
District-wise turnout by 3 pm in Kerala
Voter turnout across several districts in Kerala showed steady participation by 3 pm, with some regions crossing the 64% mark.
Kozhikode recorded 64.17%, while Palakkad led with 64.69%. Thrissur reported 63.17%, followed by Malappuram at 62.27%. Wayanad saw 61.43%, Thiruvananthapuram recorded 61.38%, and Pathanamthitta reported 59.25% turnout.
Voting picks up in Kerala; turnout crosses 62% by afternoon
Polling gathered momentum across Kerala with voter turnout reaching 62.71% by around 3 pm, according to the Election Commission of India. The highest participation was reported from Palakkad and Kozhikode, both recording over 64% voting.
Polling will continue till 6 pm.
Voter dies after casting ballot in Vaniampara
A 62-year-old man collapsed and died after casting his vote in Vaniampara. The deceased, identified as Vinodan, was a resident of Ramanchira near Vaniampara, police said. He had reached EKM UP School in the morning and stood in the queue for nearly an hour before exercising his franchise.
Police said Vinodan suddenly collapsed at around 10:45 am while coming out of the polling station. People nearby tried to help and seated him on a chair, but his condition worsened.
An ambulance rushed him to a government hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Chandy Oommen says people voting for ‘justice’ in Kerala
Chandy Oommen said that voters across Kerala are supporting change and seeking justice. He alleged that when the current government was in opposition, it carried out a “witch hunt” against his father, and later failed to take action against those responsible. He also claimed that the Central Bureau of Investigation had concluded that his father was not guilty.
He added that the ongoing voting is an opportunity for people to respond through the ballot. According to him, the election result would bring justice and lead to the formation of a Congress-led government in the state.
Kerala turnout nears 50% as voting continues for 2026 Assembly polls
Voter turnout in Kerala is moving close to the 50% mark as polling continues for the 2026 Assembly elections. In the first six hours, the state recorded 49.70% voting, according to the latest update from the Election Commission of India. Polling has been mostly peaceful across the state so far.
The Chief Electoral Officer said that if voting continues at the same pace, turnout could reach around 90%. The Election Commission of India has set a target of 85% turnout in Kerala this time.
Historic third term at stake: Pinarayi Vijayan in Dharmadam battle
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is aiming for a historic third consecutive win. Vijayan, the 12th Chief Minister of Kerala, had already made history in 2021 by breaking the long pattern of alternating governments. Polling is currently underway for the 140-member Assembly, with results scheduled for May 4. Dharmadam has been a stronghold for the CPI(M), but this year’s contest is tighter, with the UDF and BJP putting up strong challenges.
After casting his vote, Vijayan said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) still enjoys public trust and dismissed communal propaganda against his government. The LDF campaign focuses on its ten years in power, highlighting welfare schemes and infrastructure projects like bypasses.
Prithviraj Sukumaran votes in Kochi
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran cast his vote at a polling station in Kochi, Ernakulam, taking part in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.
He is also preparing for his upcoming film, 'Varanasi', directed by SS Rajamouli and starring alongside Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Kerala election 2026
"My expectation is that this is a very important election that will decide the direction of the state. The BJP has been kept out of power for decades, and people have suffered under both the UDF and LDF. Citizens have been victims of their rule.
We stand for a Viksit Keralam. People want politicians and parties to deliver results, not just indulge in mudslinging, as we have seen between the Congress and the Left. The BJP will get a very strong mandate. The Congress continues with old strategies, especially after Rahul Gandhi, spreading lies and misleading people. But now, people can see through that.
We want politics that works for us, not politics that fools us. People will speak up. We want a politics of performance. I expect the NDA to do very well because people trust Narendra Modi.
If given the opportunity, I will be a stellar MLA, unlike any before me. I will respect the people and deliver results."
Who is Rajeev Chandrasekhar and why his Nemom contest matters for BJP in Kerala?
The Kerala Assembly elections 2026 are underway, and the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to expand its influence in the state. Among the party’s prominent leaders this time is Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the former Union Minister and Kerala BJP president, who has filed his nomination from the Nemom constituency. Another senior BJP leader, V Muraleedharan, is contesting from Kazhakootam. Both are central to the party’s strategy in a state where BJP has historically had limited electoral success. The elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with results scheduled for May 4.
Nemom, part of Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, is key seat for BJP, often referred to by the party as the “Gujarat of Kerala.” The constituency has seen tight contests in the past, with CPI(M)’s V Sivankutty currently representing the seat.
In 2021, Sivankutty won by a slim margin of 3,949 votes over BJP’s Kummanam Rajasekharan.
Mallikarjun Kharge appeals to Keralites to vote for justice and better Keralam
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge urged the people of Kerala to participate actively in the 2026 Assembly elections. He highlighted challenges like rising unemployment, financial distress, and uncertainty faced by farmers, youth, plantation workers, and small business owners.
Kharge emphasised Kerala’s strength in unity and appealed to voters not to let division weaken it. He called on everyone to vote for a government that listens, cares, and delivers, saying, “Vote for justice. Vote for a better Kerala!”
My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam,
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 9, 2026
You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands.
Over the past years, you have…
Rajnath Singh urges voters in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry to cast their votes
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, “Assembly elections are taking place in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. I request the people in these states and UT to vote in record numbers, especially young voters. Your vote will help bring good governance, prosperity, and peace to the regions going to polls today.”
Assembly Elections are taking place in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry. I request the people in these States and UT to vote in record numbers, particularly the young voters. Your vote will help in bringing good governance, prosperity and peace in the states/UT going to polls today.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 9, 2026
Amit Shah appeals to Keralites to vote for a ‘Vikasita Keralam’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, “I earnestly appeal to the sisters and brothers of Kerala to form a government dedicated to ushering in a new era of development, fully using the state’s human resources and natural advantages. Let the right vote take charge of Kerala’s destiny and shape the ‘Vikasita Keralam’ you aspire to.”
It is my earnest appeal to our sisters and brothers of Keralam to form a government that will dedicate itself to ushering in a new era of development for you, realising the full potential of the state's rich human resources and natural advantages. Let the right vote take charge…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 9, 2026
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar casts vote in Thiruvananthapuram
In the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, BJP state president and Nemom constituency candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar cast his vote at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram.
BJP President Nitin Nabin urges Keralites, especially youth, to vote today
BJP national president Nitin Nabin wrote on X that today is a crucial day for Kerala’s future. He appealed to all voters, especially young people and first-time voters, to come out in large numbers and participate in this festival of democracy.
He said that every vote has the power to build a corruption-free, development-focused government and help Kerala move forward towards progress, inclusive growth, and a stronger, safer, “Vikasita Keralam.”
Today is a decisive day for the future of Keralam. I appeal to all my brothers and sisters, especially my young friends and first-time voters, to step out in large numbers and participate in this festival of democracy.
— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) April 9, 2026
Your vote is the power to build a corruption-free,…
Kerala CM casts vote
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan voted in the Assembly elections at Pinarayi RC Amala Basic Upper Primary School in Kannur
Kiren Rijiju urges voters in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry to cast their votes
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju wrote, “Every vote matters! As Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry go to polls today, I urge all voters to come out in large numbers and cast their valuable votes to strengthen democratic values. Your vote is your right and your voice, let it shape India’s future.”
Every vote matters!
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 9, 2026
As Assam, Keralam & puducherry go to poll today, I urge all the voters to come out in large numbers & cast your valuable votes for strengthening the democratic values.
Your vote is your right and your voice, let it strengthen India's future. pic.twitter.com/njMYCkvk1V
Priyanka Gandhi urges Keralites to choose change, backs UDF
Priyanka Gandhi said, “To everyone in Kerala, I say from the heart, you deserve a government that listens to you, understands your struggles, and works day and night for your well-being—not for itself, not for corruption, and not just to stay in power, but to put you first. It is time to choose change. And UDF is that change.”
To each one of you in Keralam, I say from the heart, you deserve a government that listens to you, understands your struggles, and works day and night for your well-being, not for itself, not for corruption, and not merely to stay in power, but to put you first.
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 9, 2026
It is time to… pic.twitter.com/BBFLCcUGxZ
BJP President Nitin Nabin urges Keralites, especially youth, to vote today
BJP national president Nitin Nabin wrote on X that today is a crucial day for Kerala’s future. He appealed to all voters, especially young people and first-time voters, to come out in large numbers and participate in this festival of democracy.
He said that every vote has the power to build a corruption-free, development-focused government and help Kerala move forward towards progress, inclusive growth, and a stronger, safer, “Vikasita Keralam.”
Today is a decisive day for the future of Keralam. I appeal to all my brothers and sisters, especially my young friends and first-time voters, to step out in large numbers and participate in this festival of democracy.
— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) April 9, 2026
Your vote is the power to build a corruption-free,…
VD Satheesan urges Kerala voters to exercise their right, confident of UDF win
VD Satheesan said, “I urge all people in Kerala to take part in this democratic process. Voting is their fundamental right, and everyone should use it. We are confident of winning more than 100 seats. The UDF camp is very hopeful that we will secure a strong victory, even bigger than our margin in 2001."
watch | VD Satheesan says, "My request to all the people of Kerala is that they have to participate in this democratic process. This is their fundamental right and they have to exercise their right. We will come back with more than 100 seats. UDF camp is very hopeful that we… https://t.co/Kw5oNKsRNN pic.twitter.com/tiuseabAlY
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
VD Satheesan urges Kerala voters to exercise their right, confident of UDF win
VD Satheesan said, “I urge all people in Kerala to take part in this democratic process. Voting is their fundamental right, and everyone should use it. We are confident of winning more than 100 seats. The UDF camp is very hopeful that we will secure a strong victory, even bigger than our margin in 2001."
watch | VD Satheesan says, "My request to all the people of Kerala is that they have to participate in this democratic process. This is their fundamental right and they have to exercise their right. We will come back with more than 100 seats. UDF camp is very hopeful that we… https://t.co/Kw5oNKsRNN pic.twitter.com/tiuseabAlY
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
Union Minister Suresh Gopi casts vote in Guruvayur
Union Minister Suresh Gopi voted at Guruvayur Devaswom English Medium School, South Part booth number 137, during the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026. He was seen interacting with voters before casting his ballot.
watch | Keralam Assembly Elections 2026 | Union Minister Suressh Gopi casts his vote at Guruvayur Devaswom English Medium School in Guruvayur South Part booth number 137. pic.twitter.com/MSe9Zy6yfO
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
PM Modi urges Kerala voters, especially youth and women, to cast their votes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the people of Kerala to vote in large numbers in the 2026 Assembly elections.
He said that record participation will strengthen Kerala’s democratic spirit and especially encouraged the youth and women to come forward and make their voices heard at the polls.
Calling upon the people of Keralam to vote in large numbers in the 2026 Assembly elections. Record participation will add vigour to Keralam’s democratic spirit. I particularly request the youth and women of the state to step forward and vote in large numbers.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2026
V Sivankutty and Mohanlal cast their votes in Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala Elections 2026: Minister and LDF candidate from Nemom, V Sivankutty, along with actor Mohanlal, arrived at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, to cast their votes.
Both were seen greeting voters before heading inside to vote.
watch | Keralam Elections 2026 | Minister and LDF candidate from Nemom, V Sivankutty, and actor Mohanlal arrive at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram to cast a vote. pic.twitter.com/GfO392q3LF
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026
VD Satheesan casts his vote in Ernakulam
Congress leader and opposition leader VD Satheesan reached at Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam to cast his vote. He was seen interacting with voters before heading inside to exercise his franchise.
Earlier, Satheesan accused the BJP and CPM of undermining democratic norms using money, kits, and political propaganda. He said the UDF will take legal action against the BJP’s Palakkad candidate and expressed confidence that UDF’s Ramesh Pisharody will win by a comfortable margin.
watch | Keralam: Congress leader VD Satheesan arrives at the polling station, Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam to cast his vote. pic.twitter.com/kpwBYkws6l
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2026