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LDF-Backed NMR Razak Files Nomination for Palakkad in Kerala 2026 Polls

Independent candidate NMR Razak, backed by the Left Democratic Front, has filed his nomination papers for the Palakkad Assembly constituency for the 2026 Kerala polls. The Election Commission has announced the 2026 elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with the current assembly's tenure ending on May 23. The BJP-led NDA is aiming to challenge the incumbent LDF government, which has been in power for about a decade under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. In the 2021 elections, the LDF retained power with 99 seats, marking a historic consecutive term victory.

Key Points: Kerala 2026 Polls: LDF Candidate NMR Razak Files Nomination

  • NMR Razak files for Palakkad
  • Elections set for April 9, 2026
  • NDA aims to unseat LDF
  • LDF retained power in 2021 with 99 seats
2 min read

Kerala Polls: LDF-backed independent candidate NMR Razak files nomination from Palakkad

Independent LDF-backed NMR Razak files nomination for Palakkad. Kerala Assembly elections set for April 9, 2026, with NDA aiming to unseat LDF.

"The BJP-led NDA is aiming to unseat the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) - Content"

Palakkad, March 21

Independent candidate backed by the Left Democratic Front for the Palakkad Assembly constituency, NMR Razak, on Saturday filed his nomination papers ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections 2026.

The 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on March 15, with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is scheduled to end on May 23.

Earlier in the day, the Kerala Health Minister and LDF candidate Veena George also filed her nomination papers for the Aranmula Assembly constituency at the Pathanamthitta Collectorate.

Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and LDF candidate P Rajeev filed his nomination papers for the Kalamassery constituency in Ernakulam district for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

The BJP-led NDA is aiming to unseat the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and gain control of the 140-member Kerala Niyamasabha. The LDF has governed the state for approximately a decade, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan leading consecutive terms.

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.

In terms of vote share, the LDF received 41.5 per cent of the total votes, significantly ahead of the UDF, which secured 38.4 per cent. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured 11.4 per cent of the votes but failed to win a single seat in the election.

Among individual parties in 2021, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) emerged as the single largest party with 62 seats and a vote share of 25.5 per cent. The Indian National Congress (INC) won 21 seats with a comparable vote share of 25.2 per cent, while the Communist Party of India (CPI) secured 17 seats. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key UDF ally, won 15 seats.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Kerala's political landscape is so unique. The LDF government has done some good work in health and education, but there are genuine concerns about financial management and job creation. Hope all parties focus on real issues like infrastructure and youth employment this election. 🤞
R
Rohit P
With due respect to the LDF's consecutive terms, I feel there is some fatigue setting in. The UDF needs to present a strong, united front. The BJP's aim to gain control seems far-fetched looking at the 2021 numbers, but they could split votes.
S
Sarah B
Following Kerala politics from abroad. It's impressive how high voter turnout is and how closely fought the elections are. The fact that the ruling alliance got consecutive terms after so long speaks volumes. Hope the 2026 election is peaceful and fair.
M
Meera T
As a Keralite, development matters more than party symbols. Our state has high literacy but we need more industries. Whether it's LDF, UDF, or even NDA, the candidate who talks about creating sustainable jobs will get my vote. All the best to all nominees filing papers!
V
Vikram M
The BJP securing 11.4% votes but zero seats in 2021 shows the first-past-the-post system's quirks. They have a presence, but converting it to seats is the big challenge. The LDF's strength in CPI(M) seats is formidable. 2026 will be a test of their continued popularity.

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