Kerala Assembly Poll: Pinarayi Vijayan to VD Satheesan to Rajeev Chandrasekhar, key candidates in the fray
Kerala goes to polls on April 9 in a tightly contested assembly election, with LDF, UDF, and BJP leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan, VD Satheesan, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar playing key roles in the race.
With campaigning officially ending on April 7, Kerala is all set to vote for its 140 assembly seats on April 9. The state, ruled by the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) for the past decade, faces one of its most closely contested elections in years. The 2021 polls marked history when the LDF became the first incumbent government since 1977 to secure consecutive terms.
A tight contest predicted
The fight is primarily seen between the ruling LDF and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to make inroads. According to a Matrize opinion poll, the race could be too close for a clear majority:
- LDF: 62–68 seats
- UDF: 67–73 seats
- BJP+ (NDA): 5–8 seats
- Others: 0–3 seats
The survey suggests a near tie between the LDF and UDF, while the BJP-led NDA could emerge as a “kingmaker” in a hung assembly scenario.
Top candidates in the fray on 9 April in Kerala.
Pinarayi Vijayan: The LDF face
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, contesting from Dharmadam, is the face of the ruling LDF. Fighting anti-incumbency sentiments, Vijayan aims for a historic third term. With his leadership, the LDF has emphasized development programs, disaster management, and public welfare initiatives in the state over the past decade.
VD Satheesan: UDF’s main challenger
VD Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition, is the cornerstone of the UDF campaign. Contesting again from Paravur, Satheesan has been a prominent figure in Kerala politics since 2001. He has focused on highlighting governance gaps under the current administration and rallying voters for change.
BJP eyes growth: Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V Muraleedharan
The BJP is contesting aggressively to expand its base. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Union Minister and Kerala BJP president, is in the fray from Nemom, while V Muraleedharan, another senior leader, contests from Kazhakootam.
Despite limited electoral wins in the past, both leaders are central to the party’s expansion strategy in Kerala.
Other key candidates inclue
- KK Shailaja: Former Health Minister, known for her handling of Nipah and COVID crises, contests from Peravoor.
- Veena George: Current Health Minister, contesting from Aranmula, recognized for public health initiatives.
- Ramesh Chennithala: Senior Congress leader from Haripad, a consistent UDF performer.
- Chandy Oommen: Son of late CM Oommen Chandy, contesting from Puthuppally.
- V Sivankutty: State Education Minister, representing LDF from Nemom.
- Sunny Joseph: Congress leader from Peravoor, noted for strong grassroots support.