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Anoop Antony Files Nomination as NDA Eyes Kerala Power in 2026 Polls

NDA candidate Anoop Antony has filed his nomination papers for the Thiruvalla constituency ahead of the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9. The BJP-led alliance aims 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 secured a historic consecutive term victory with 99 seats, while the NDA failed to win any seats despite an 11.4% vote share. The election process is underway with candidates from major parties, including LDF minister Veena George, filing their nominations.

Key Points: Kerala 2026 Polls: NDA Candidate Files Nomination in Thiruvalla

  • NDA candidate files nomination
  • Elections set for April 9, 2026
  • LDF seeks historic third term
  • 2021 saw LDF retain power with 99 seats
2 min read

Kerala Polls: NDA candidate Anoop Antony files nomination from Thiruvalla ahead of April 9 elections

NDA's Anoop Antony files nomination for Thiruvalla as Kerala gears up for April 9, 2026 assembly elections. LDF aims for third term under Pinarayi Vijayan.

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

Pathanamthitta, March 21

National Democratic Alliance candidate Anoop Antony on Saturday filed his nomination papers for the Thiruvalla Assembly constituency at the Sub-Collector's office, ahead of the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections.

The Election Commission of India, on March 15, announced that the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.

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.

Earlier in the day, Kerala Health Minister and LDF candidate Veena George also filed her nomination papers for the Aranmula Assembly constituency at the Pathanamthitta Collectorate, highlighting the active contest among major parties ahead of the elections.

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

M
Meera T
As someone from Pathanamthitta, I appreciate the work LDF has done, especially in health and education. Veena George is a capable minister. The BJP's vote share is still too low here. They need to focus on local issues, not just national narratives. 🤔
R
Rahul R
The 2021 results show a clear mandate for LDF. Pinarayi Vijayan sir has brought stability. But a strong opposition is healthy for democracy. Hope all candidates focus on constructive debates about Kerala's future.
A
Anjali F
Interesting to see a Christian candidate from NDA in a constituency like Thiruvalla. Shows their strategy to broaden the base. But will it work? Kerala's politics is very nuanced and community-based. The UDF must be feeling the pressure from both sides.
K
Karthik V
The real issue is unemployment and cost of living. Whichever alliance addresses this will win. All this political filing of nominations is just drama if they don't have concrete plans for the youth. #KeralaPolls2026
J
Jessica F
Watching from outside India, it's fascinating how Kerala maintains such a vibrant multi-party democracy. The fact that the ruling party was re-elected after a full term speaks volumes about governance. Hope the elections are peaceful and fair.

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