Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kochi on March 11 to formally launch the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly election 2026, with a series of programmes scheduled across the city.
The highlight of the visit will be a large public rally at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, where the Prime Minister will address thousands of supporters and party workers.
The convention is being projected as the formal beginning of the NDA’s election campaign in the state and is expected to draw leaders and workers from across Ernakulam district and neighbouring regions. BJP leaders said around 40,000 people are likely to attend the rally.
The Prime Minister is also likely to release the BJP’s election manifesto for the Kerala Assembly polls during the visit.
Party sources said the manifesto is currently under preparation and may be unveiled as part of the campaign launch programme.
According to the official schedule, the Prime Minister will arrive at Cochin International Airport in the morning. From there, he will travel by helicopter to INS Garuda before proceeding to Marine Drive to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the All Kerala Dheevara Sabha.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to inaugurate a series of railway development projects aimed at improving travel infrastructure in Kerala. Officials indicated that announcements related to railway station modernisation under the Amrit Bharat Scheme are also expected.
Ahead of the public meeting, Modi may conduct a roadshow in the city, which party leaders believe will generate enthusiasm among workers and supporters. The programme is also expected to provide an opportunity for the BJP-led alliance to present its campaign message and development agenda for the Assembly polls.
Sources said the Prime Minister may interact with representatives of various community organisations during the visit. Security has been significantly tightened across Kochi in view of the Prime Minister’s programmes.
Political observers say the high-profile visit is likely to intensify the campaign atmosphere in Kerala as major parties step up mobilisation ahead of the announcement of the election schedule for the Assembly polls.