UDF Confident of Victory in Kerala as Polls Become Referendum on LDF Rule

UDF candidate PK Bashir has expressed confidence ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls, framing the election as a referendum on 15 years of Left government rule. IUML candidate M Rahmathulla from Manjeri also trusts voters will support the UDF, aiming to continue development work in the constituency. The Election Commission has scheduled the single-phase polls for April 9, 2026, with results on May 4. The main contest is between the incumbent LDF, led by CPI(M), and the opposition UDF, led by the Congress.

Key Points: Kerala Polls: UDF Candidates Confident of Victory Against LDF

  • Election seen as referendum on LDF rule
  • UDF confident of victory in key contests
  • Manjeri constituency a UDF stronghold
  • Model Code of Conduct now in effect
3 min read

"Confident of victory": UDF Candidate PK Bashir ahead of Kerala Assembly polls

UDF candidates PK Bashir and M Rahmathulla express confidence ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, calling it a referendum on 15 years of LDF governance.

"This election is being seen as a referendum on the past fifteen years of governance - PK Bashir"

Malappuram, March 18

United Democratic Front Candidate PK Bashir on Wednesday expressed confidence in victory ahead of the upcoming state assembly election and said that the Left government had done "mismanagement" in governance for the past fifteen years.

Speaking to ANI here on the upcoming assembly election, he said, "Following the election announcement, party members are convening meetings, with the UDF committee scheduled for 4:30 PM. This election is being seen as a referendum on the past fifteen years of governance in the region, particularly against the perceived mismanagement by the Left government. The UDF is confident of victory."

Furthermore, speaking on the Kerala Legislative Assembly Election 2026, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) candidate for Manjeri constituency M Rahmathulla added that he has trust that the people of Manjeri will extend their cooperation and cast their votes in favour of the UDF.

"This is a very important election, which will be held on April 9th, and we are sure that the UDF will come to power. Manjeri is a stronghold constituency of the UDF and IUML, and we expect a very good victory this year. I hope to continue all the development activities carried out by my predecessors here, and I know that more development work still needs to be done. With the cooperation of all the people and organisations, with their help and advice, we will move forward with these development activities. I trust that the people of Manjeri will extend their cooperation and cast their votes in favour of the UDF," he added on Tuesday.

The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, the Election Commission of India announced on Sunday, with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4.

The Model Code of Conduct comes into place from today, setting in process elections to the 140-member State Assembly, which is also known as the Kerala Niyamasabha.

The main electoral contest in the State is expected between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, is also in the fray for the Assembly polls.

In the Kerala Legislative Assembly election, held in a single phase on April 6, 2021, with results being declared on May 2, 2021. The incumbent LDF retained power with 99 seats, marking the first time since 1977 that a ruling alliance secured consecutive terms in the state.

The UDF won 41 seats, while the NDA saw a decline in vote share and lost its only seat in the Assembly. Following the victory, Pinarayi Vijayan became the first Chief Minister of Kerala to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term in office.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone from Malappuram, I've seen both fronts rule. The talk of "mismanagement" is a political staple before every election. What we need are less accusations and more clear manifestos on healthcare, education, and women's safety. The real referendum will be on those issues.
M
Manish T
Strong words from Bashir sir! The LDF has had its chance for two terms. Time for a change and fresh energy. UDF's track record in Manjeri has been good for local development. Hoping for a positive mandate this time! 🙏
A
Anjali F
Interesting to see IUML so confident in Manjeri. It's their traditional stronghold, but voter sentiment can shift. The mention of continuing predecessors' work is good, but I want to hear about new ideas for youth employment and tackling price rise. That's what will get my vote.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions NDA's decline last time. It's crucial for a healthy democracy to have a strong third front. Maybe this time they will put up a better fight and keep the major alliances on their toes. Kerala politics needs that balance.
P
Priya S
Model Code of Conduct is in place! Now let's hope for a clean, issue-based campaign. Too often, these elections get very personal. We, the people of Kerala, are watching and will judge based on work, not just words. All the best to all candidates.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50