In Kerala elections, LDF is focused on development, UDF anti-incumbency wave, and BJP is focused on Modi’s image. All three alliances are facing challenges like internal strife, Sabarimala dispute and economic crisis.
The Election Commission has announced the dates for the Kerala Assembly elections 2026. This election can bring a big turn in the politics of the state. Election notification will be released on March 16, the last date for nomination is March 23. Nomination scrutiny by 24th March and withdrawal of nominations by 26th March. Voting for 140 seats will be held in a single phase on April 9, while counting of votes will take place on May 4. There are 2.70 crore voters in the state. Let us know the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of the parties in Kerala…
BJP
Strength: The victory for the first time in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has given a strong base to the party. Prime Minister Modi’s image is also expected to have a good impact on the votes. The party has tremendous campaigning potential.
Weakness: It is a big challenge to compete with the opposition coalitions that have been in power in the state for decades. The allegation of injustice to Kerala on the BJP government at the Center is also a big blow.
Opportunity: Youth and certain communities can be brought together. This seems possible because of the ‘Twenty20’ party which recently joined the alliance. Voters can be persuaded by highlighting the development work of the Modi government.
challenge: It is difficult to bring different communities together. It will not be easy to attract people who have traditionally been with the opposition to your side. The effect of attacks on Christians in BJP ruled states can be seen here too.
UDF
Strength: Advantage of the environment against the ruling government. Victory in by-elections and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The strength is double because there is no major dispute or internal strife.
Weakness: Part of the alliance may suffer losses due to internal factionalism in the Congress. There is a lack of any big face to present as the Chief Minister.
Opportunity: Can attract minority voters like Muslims and Christians. The increasing influence of BJP in the state can also benefit from the division of Hindu votes. There is an opportunity to use the Sabarimala gold theft case against the government.
challenge: It is possible that voters may lean towards the campaign that LDF is carrying out in the name of development. Hindu votes may be lost due to joining hands with Jamaat-e-Islami. Have failed to win the complete trust of the backward classes. The growing influence of BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha is also harmful. The allegations of sexual harassment against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkuttatil are also a stain.
LDF
Strength: By putting forward many development schemes, it can call itself a people-friendly government. This time also there were many welfare schemes in the budget, which will make it easier to attract votes.
Weakness: Despite welfare schemes, there was no victory in local elections. The emergence of names of CPM leaders in the case of gold missing from Sabarimala temple may be a shock. There is division within the alliance also.
Opportunity: Congress leaders can use the Sabarimala case accused’s appearance with Sonia Gandhi as a weapon. The allegations against Rahul Mamkuttatil can also become an issue.
challenge: There are differences between CPI(M) and CPI on many issues. When the opposition is raising questions on the safety of women, State Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar may suffer losses due to his wife’s allegations of cheating. There is resentment among people in Wayanad and Idukki due to the increasing conflict between humans and animals.
Big issues of Kerala elections 2026
- Controversy over entry of women in Sabarimala
- State’s economic crisis and human-animal conflict
- Farming crisis, rising costs and declining income
- Increasing incidents of medical negligence
- Incidents like violence, police and custodial torture
- Financial restrictions imposed on Kerala by the Central Government
- Limit imposed on the state’s borrowing capacity
- Issue of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC)