UDF Unveils Full Candidate List for Kerala 2026 Elections
UDF Unveils Full Candidate List for Kerala 2026 Elections
The UDF releases its entire slate for Kerala 2026, led by INC and including IUML, KC(J), KC(Jac) and RSP, as campaigns gear up across the state.
As Kerala braces for a single-phase election across 140 Assembly constituencies on April 9, 2026, the United Democratic Front released its full list of candidates, signaling a renewed bid to return to power. The elections are set to be counted on May 4, 2026. The UDF is led by the Indian National Congress and includes IUML, Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Jacob) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party, challenging the CPI(M)-led LDF and the BJP-led NDA.
Prominent UDF contenders include V. D. Satheesan from Paravur, A.K.M. Ashraf of Manjeshwaram, Ramesh Pisharody from Palakkad, UDF-backed independent G. Sudhakaran, and Ramesh Chennithala from Haripad. Here is an overview of some key picks: Kasaragod Manjeshwaram: A.K.M. Ashraf (IUML); Kasaragod: Kallatra Mahin Haji (IUML); Uduma: K. Neelakandan (INC); Kanhangad: Shaiji Ottapally (KC(J)); Trikaripur: Sandeep Varier (INC); Kannur Payyanur: V. Kunjikrishnan (Independent, UDF-supported); Kalliasseri: Rajeevan Kappachery (INC); Taliparamba: T.K. Govindhan (Independent, UDF-supported); Irikkur: Adv. Sajeev Joseph (INC); Azhikode: Kareem Cheleri (IUML); Kannur: T.O. Mohanan (INC); Dharmadam: Abdul Rasheed (INC); Thalassery: K.P. Saju (INC); Kuthuparamba: Jayanthi Rajan (IUML); Mattannur: Chandran Thillenkeri (INC); Peravoor: Sunny Joseph (INC). In Wayanad, seats such as Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery feature candidates Usha Vijayan (INC) and I.C. Balakrishnan (INC).
KPCC chief noted that voters will weigh governance, corruption and the appeal of the UDF as they approach polling day. With the campaign set to intensify in the run-up to April 9, all eyes will be on how the list translates into votes and seats across Kerala.
