Kochi, March 15 — VD Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly and a prominent Congress leader, has confirmed that the United Democratic Front (UDF) will announce its candidates for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections within 24 hours. This declaration comes as the political landscape in Kerala prepares for the crucial election scheduled for April 9, 2026.

UDF’s Confidence in Electoral Victory

Satheesan expressed confidence that the UDF, which is a coalition of various political parties, will secure over 100 seats in the upcoming elections. This projection is based on the alliance’s strong performance in the recent local body elections, where it achieved record-breaking results. ‘The UDF is returning with absolute confidence, aiming to secure over 100 seats in Kerala,’ Satheesan said during a press briefing in Kochi.

He criticized the current Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, stating that it has failed the state and that the UDF is ready to reclaim areas where the government has faltered. ‘The people will stand with the UDF against a government that has ruined the state,’ he added.

Satheesan emphasized that the candidate distribution in any district would not be based on internal factions. ‘Following discussions in Delhi tomorrow, the official announcement will be made from there,’ he said, hinting at a strategic decision-making process involving key party leaders.

LDF’s Optimism and Campaign Strategy

In contrast, CPI MP P Sandosh expressed confidence that the LDF will retain power in the upcoming elections. ‘We are all set to repeat the victory. The candidate seats are finalised and will be announced shortly,’ he said in an interview with ANI.

Sandosh noted that the LDF candidates are already active in the field, and the opposition’s efforts to create chaos would not derail the alliance’s campaign. ‘The state will see hectic campaigning by LDF in the coming times. We will record history by retaining power for the third term,’ he added.

The upcoming election is set to be a high-stakes contest, with both the UDF and LDF vying for dominance. The Election Commission of India has announced that the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

Key Dates and Electoral Process

The Model Code of Conduct has been activated, marking the beginning of the election process for the 140-member State Assembly, known as the Kerala Niyamasabha. The current assembly’s tenure is scheduled to end on May 23, making this election a critical juncture in the state’s political history.

Important dates for the election process include the last date for filing nominations on March 23, followed by the scrutiny of nominations on March 24. The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is March 26, ensuring that all candidates have ample opportunity to finalize their participation in the election.

The upcoming election is expected to witness a significant voter turnout, with both the UDF and LDF focusing on mobilizing their supporters. Analysts suggest that the election could reshape the political dynamics in Kerala, with implications for future governance and policy decisions.

The declaration of UDF candidates within 24 hours is a strategic move that highlights the alliance’s preparedness and confidence in its electoral prospects. This decision is likely to influence the campaign strategies of both the UDF and LDF, as they gear up for a competitive electoral battle.

With the election date fast approaching, the political landscape in Kerala is set to become more intense, with both major alliances focusing on key issues that resonate with the electorate. The upcoming election will not only determine the future of the state government but also shape the broader political narrative in southern India.