- Kerala's 2026 Assembly election is scheduled for April 9 with 2.71 crore voters
- LDF focuses on welfare expansion, poverty elimination, universal healthcare, and infrastructure
- NDA supports limited welfare, private sector growth, Ayushman Bharat expansion, and rubber price support
Kerala is set to vote for its 140-member Legislative Assembly on April 9, 2026, with counting scheduled for May 4. The term of the current Assembly will end on May 23. The election will see 2.71 crore registered voters, including 1.31 crore men, 1.38 crore women and 277 transgender persons, across 25,231 polling stations.
The contest is primarily between the ruling LDF, the UDF, and the NDA. All three parties have released their manifestos.
LDF Promises Continuity of Welfare Expansion
The LDF manifesto builds on its record of governance over the past ten years and focuses on continuity. It places strong emphasis on welfare expansion and public sector-led development, while maintaining a critical stance towards the Union government. At the centre of its campaign is the promise of eliminating poverty. The LDF has stated that it aims to identify around five lakh of the poorest families and support them out of poverty. It has also promised to increase the social security pension to Rs 3,000 per month.
In healthcare, the front proposes universal access. It has outlined a plan for “limitless” treatment under a universal health coverage model, along with a focus on preventive care through a “lifestyle disease-free Kerala”. The manifesto also mentions the creation of a unified digital health record system for all residents.
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On employment, the LDF promises campus placements for students completing their education in the state. It has also proposed a “Connect to Work” scholarship and a mentorship network. In addition, it plans a Rs 2 lakh crore investment push and expansion of public sector enterprises, targeting a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore by 2031. Women's participation is another focus area. The manifesto states that efforts will be made to ensure 50 percentage employment for women and to create 20 lakh jobs for homemakers.
In infrastructure, the LDF reiterates its commitment to a north south high-speed rail corridor and metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. It also plans to expand the Water Metro system and complete key railway and highway projects. On governance and finances, the LDF has defended its existing approach. It argues that it will counter financial restrictions through legal and administrative steps while increasing revenue through taxes. The manifesto indicates that its development model will continue, with an emphasis on welfare and capital investment.
What Does UDF Promise?
The UDF manifesto positions itself as an alternative to the LDF's model, while retaining a similar approach in some areas such as welfare and public sector support.
It has announced a set of welfare measures under what it calls “Indira Guarantees”. These include increasing all welfare pensions to Rs 3,000 per month and making them a statutory right. The front has also promised Rs 700 as daily minimum wages for ASHA workers, along with Rs 1,000 per month for college-going girls and free bus travel for women.
In healthcare, the UDF has proposed the Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme, offering Rs 25 lakh coverage per household. It has also stated that hospital beds will be treated as a right and has promised “no-bill” hospitals on the lines of the JIPMER model. Doorstep delivery of medicines for the elderly is also part of its plan. The manifesto links nutrition to public health through the proposal to open subsidised “Indira Canteens”.
On poverty alleviation, the UDF plans to relaunch and update the Asraya scheme. It has also proposed a targeted plan for families holding yellow and pink ration cards. In education and employment, the UDF has suggested structural changes. It plans to set up a “Job Watch Tower” to track global employment trends and align higher education accordingly. It has also proposed a law named after Rohith Vemula to address caste discrimination in educational institutions.
In agriculture, the UDF has promised a minimum support price of Rs 300 per kg for rubber and proposed setting up a rubber company on the model of Cochin International Airport Limited. It has also committed to implementing the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on minimum support prices.
On infrastructure, the UDF has proposed ‘Mission Samudra' to integrate Kerala's 600-km coastline and improve maritime connectivity. It has stated that it will scrap the SilverLine project and denotify acquired land.
The UDF has also outlined measures for human–wildlife conflict, including assigning responsibility to the Forest Department to prevent animal intrusions and setting up a tribunal for compensation. It has proposed legal changes to address the issue. On governance and finances, the UDF has suggested reforms in GST collection, including the use of AI and improvements in audit systems. It has also proposed a Non-Resident Keralite Investment Fund.
NDA Promises Welfare, Private Sector Push
The NDA manifesto outlines a different approach, with a focus on reduced state intervention, increased private participation, and alignment with Union government schemes.
Like the other fronts, it has promised a Rs 3,000 monthly welfare pension, but limits it to specific groups such as those above 70 years, widows, and poor women heads of households. It has also proposed “Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha” cards for women to purchase groceries and medicines.
In healthcare, the NDA plans to expand Ayushman Bharat coverage and establish an AIIMS in Kerala. It has also proposed developing Kozhikode as a medical hub.
For women and households, the NDA has promised two free LPG cylinders annually during Onam and Christmas, housing for landless families, and 20,000 litres of free water per month.
In employment, the NDA has proposed a Rs1 lakh soft loan for each job created, along with new industrial estates and a state-level Production-Linked Incentive scheme to attract investment. In agriculture, the NDA has proposed a support price of Rs 250 per kg for rubber with a 5 percnt annual increase. It has also suggested a “Tropical Fruit Mission” to encourage a shift from rubber farming and allow multi-cropping.
On infrastructure, the NDA has promised a high-speed rail network from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur and improvements in aviation connectivity. The NDA has taken a distinct position on issues such as the Sabarimala gold theft, promising a time-bound CBI inquiry and reforms in temple administration.
It has also proposed measures to address human–wildlife conflict through preventive steps such as improving forest resources and early warning systems. In financial management, the NDA has proposed asset monetisation, improved tax collection through technology, and expenditure rationalisation. It has also suggested restructuring public sector units to improve efficiency.
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