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- Kerala Election 2026 Live Updates: Polling for 140 Assembly seats in Kerala concludes
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 09, 2026, 18:13:51 IST
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Kerala Election 2026 Live Updates: Polling for 140 Assembly seats in Kerala concludes
Kerala Election 2026: Kerala is all set for a crucial assembly election on Thursday, with 2.71 crore voters poised to cast their franchise in a decisive contest that will test the ruling LDF's bid for a third consecutive term, the opposition UDF's comeback prospects, and the NDA's push to open its account in the state.
After nearly a month of intense campaigning, the southern state will go to the polls in a single phase, with voting to be held from 7 am to 6 pm across all 140 constituencies where 883 candidates are in the fray.
The electorate comprises 1.32 crore men, 1.39 crore women and 273 transgender persons, along with over 2.42 lakh overseas voters, underlining the scale of the electoral exercise, according to Election Commission figures.
The contest, though triangular, is rooted in Kerala's traditionally bipolar political landscape, where power has largely alternated between the LDF and the UDF.
The outcome of this election will indicate whether that pattern holds or if the state is headed towards a shift.
After nearly a month of intense campaigning, the southern state will go to the polls in a single phase, with voting to be held from 7 am to 6 pm across all 140 constituencies where 883 candidates are in the fray.
The electorate comprises 1.32 crore men, 1.39 crore women and 273 transgender persons, along with over 2.42 lakh overseas voters, underlining the scale of the electoral exercise, according to Election Commission figures.
The contest, though triangular, is rooted in Kerala's traditionally bipolar political landscape, where power has largely alternated between the LDF and the UDF.
The outcome of this election will indicate whether that pattern holds or if the state is headed towards a shift.
18:13 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026: 75.01% polling recordd till 5 pm
Till 5 pm, a turnout of 75.01 per cent was recorded, slightly higher than that of the 2021 Assembly polls which saw a polling percentage of 74.06 per cent.
18:11 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026: Polling for 140 Assembly seats in Kerala concludes
17:55 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026: 62 per cent voter turnout recorded by 3 pm
Kerala registered a voter turnout of 62 per cent by 3 pm, as polling continued in 140 assembly constituencies on Thursday.
According to Election Commission (EC) figures, by 3 pm, 62.71 per cent of the 2.71 crore voters had cast their vote.
The polling appeared to be slowing down slightly in the afternoon as compared to the first half of the day when there was an increase of around 16 per cent in the turnout every two hours.
The turnout was recorded at 16.23 per cent at 9 am, which increased to 33.28 per cent at 11 am and 49.70 per cent at 1 pm, according to EC figures.
The figures also showed that Ernakulam district continued to lead with the highest polling percentage of 66 per cent and constituency-wise, Kunnathunad topped with 70.08 per cent. The lowest turnout came in Kaduthuruthy with 57.41 per cent (all 3 pm data).
According to Election Commission (EC) figures, by 3 pm, 62.71 per cent of the 2.71 crore voters had cast their vote.
The polling appeared to be slowing down slightly in the afternoon as compared to the first half of the day when there was an increase of around 16 per cent in the turnout every two hours.
The turnout was recorded at 16.23 per cent at 9 am, which increased to 33.28 per cent at 11 am and 49.70 per cent at 1 pm, according to EC figures.
The figures also showed that Ernakulam district continued to lead with the highest polling percentage of 66 per cent and constituency-wise, Kunnathunad topped with 70.08 per cent. The lowest turnout came in Kaduthuruthy with 57.41 per cent (all 3 pm data).
16:38 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026: Minor protests reported over bogus vote allegations
Assembly polling across Kerala progressed largely peacefully, but protests were reported at several booths on Thursday over allegations of bogus voting.
A minor scuffle broke out between Congress and BJP activists at Manalur in Thrissur district after UDF candidate T N Prathapan arrived in the area.
In Wadakkanchery, also in Thrissur district, a voter, Sajeev, was unable to cast his vote after election officials informed him that his vote had already been recorded as a postal ballot.
This triggered protests by BJP activists, prompting police intervention.
A similar incident occurred in Kuttiady, Kozhikode district, where a woman was denied the right to vote after it was found that her vote had already been cast as a postal ballot.
At Malampuzha and Shoranur in Palakkad district, Thrikkaripur in Kasaragod, and Vattiyoorkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, complaints emerged that votes had been cast in the names of original voters, leading to protests.
In Kalpetta, Wayanad, a polling agent was removed after it was found that she was simultaneously working as an ASHA worker.
In a separate incident in Uduma, Kasaragod, a Congress agent was caught using "smart spectacles" inside a polling booth.
At a polling booth in Badaje, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, a defect was noticed in a voting machine that recorded more votes than were actually polled.
A minor scuffle broke out between Congress and BJP activists at Manalur in Thrissur district after UDF candidate T N Prathapan arrived in the area.
In Wadakkanchery, also in Thrissur district, a voter, Sajeev, was unable to cast his vote after election officials informed him that his vote had already been recorded as a postal ballot.
This triggered protests by BJP activists, prompting police intervention.
A similar incident occurred in Kuttiady, Kozhikode district, where a woman was denied the right to vote after it was found that her vote had already been cast as a postal ballot.
At Malampuzha and Shoranur in Palakkad district, Thrikkaripur in Kasaragod, and Vattiyoorkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, complaints emerged that votes had been cast in the names of original voters, leading to protests.
In Kalpetta, Wayanad, a polling agent was removed after it was found that she was simultaneously working as an ASHA worker.
In a separate incident in Uduma, Kasaragod, a Congress agent was caught using "smart spectacles" inside a polling booth.
At a polling booth in Badaje, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, a defect was noticed in a voting machine that recorded more votes than were actually polled.
16:05 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026: 'Voting trend indicates turnout will reach 90 per cent'
Kerala CEO Rathan U Kelkar on Thursday said that the voting pattern in the Assembly elections that is underway indicates that the target of 90 per cent turnout can be achieved.
Chief Electoral Officer Kelkar urged all voters to come and exercise their right.
"If the current trend continues, by the time polling concludes, we are confident we will see a turnout of 90 per cent," he told reporters here.
The turnout witnessed a steady increase in the first half of the day from 16.23 per cent at 9 am to 33.28 per cent at 11 am and 49.70 per cent at 1 pm, and 62.71% at 3 pm, according to EC figures.
The CEO said that voting was being carried out peacefully and by following all etiquettes at the over 30,000 polling stations in the state. (PTI)
Chief Electoral Officer Kelkar urged all voters to come and exercise their right.
"If the current trend continues, by the time polling concludes, we are confident we will see a turnout of 90 per cent," he told reporters here.
The turnout witnessed a steady increase in the first half of the day from 16.23 per cent at 9 am to 33.28 per cent at 11 am and 49.70 per cent at 1 pm, and 62.71% at 3 pm, according to EC figures.
The CEO said that voting was being carried out peacefully and by following all etiquettes at the over 30,000 polling stations in the state. (PTI)
15:59 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026- Polling Status by Constituency:
Chelakkara 50.34%
Kunnamkulam 48.06%
Guruvayur 46.27%
Manalur 49.21%
Wadakkanchery 53.24%
Ollur 52.82%
Thrissur 52.23%
Nattika 50.74%
Kaipamangalam 47.72%
Irinjalakuda 51.42%
Puthukkad 53.41%
Chalakudy 51.03%
Kodungallur 49.89%
Kunnamkulam 48.06%
Guruvayur 46.27%
Manalur 49.21%
Wadakkanchery 53.24%
Ollur 52.82%
Thrissur 52.23%
Nattika 50.74%
Kaipamangalam 47.72%
Irinjalakuda 51.42%
Puthukkad 53.41%
Chalakudy 51.03%
Kodungallur 49.89%
15:58 (IST) Apr 09
UDF will win 100 seats and come to power
Congress MP K. Sudhakaran
15:52 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026: Ernakulam sets up women and child-friendly polling booths with mini creche
Women and child-friendly polling booths have been set up in Ernakulam district, featuring a mini creche with toys and a waiting area. The facility is being managed by Anganwadi workers.
15:47 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live Updates: CPI(M) leader M Swaraj casts vote in Nilambur
14:42 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Couple turns up to vote after marriage in Kerala
In Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, a newly-wed couple made a stop at a polling booth on Thursday, heading there straight from their wedding to cast their votes — underlining the importance of participating in the democratic process.
In a similar show of commitment, a bride from Wayanad district also chose to vote before leaving for her wedding ceremony.
Divyasree and Ashwant, who got married around 9 am, arrived at the polling station close to noon directly from the wedding venue. Speaking to reporters, they said it was a joint decision to vote.
Ashwant said the wedding date had been fixed in January, well before the polling schedule was announced, and it was a coincidence that both fell on the same day. He added that he had missed several chances to vote earlier due to working outside the state, but made it a point to vote whenever he was in Kerala.
His wife said she had always exercised her right to vote.
The couple said their message to society was that everyone should vote, adding that while they were not politically active, voting was a non-political act.
Similarly, Akhila Antony from Meppadi in Wayanad arrived at a polling booth in her wedding attire, less than an hour before her marriage scheduled at a church in Mananthavady at 10.30 am.
She told the media that she chose to vote first as it would not have been possible after the ceremony. Seeing her in bridal attire, polling officials and locals helped fast-track the process, after which she left for the wedding venue.
In a similar show of commitment, a bride from Wayanad district also chose to vote before leaving for her wedding ceremony.
Divyasree and Ashwant, who got married around 9 am, arrived at the polling station close to noon directly from the wedding venue. Speaking to reporters, they said it was a joint decision to vote.
Ashwant said the wedding date had been fixed in January, well before the polling schedule was announced, and it was a coincidence that both fell on the same day. He added that he had missed several chances to vote earlier due to working outside the state, but made it a point to vote whenever he was in Kerala.
His wife said she had always exercised her right to vote.
The couple said their message to society was that everyone should vote, adding that while they were not politically active, voting was a non-political act.
Similarly, Akhila Antony from Meppadi in Wayanad arrived at a polling booth in her wedding attire, less than an hour before her marriage scheduled at a church in Mananthavady at 10.30 am.
She told the media that she chose to vote first as it would not have been possible after the ceremony. Seeing her in bridal attire, polling officials and locals helped fast-track the process, after which she left for the wedding venue.
14:33 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Polls 2026 Live: "Done my part, Your turn", says Mohanlal, urges citizens to participate
Superstar Mohanlal cast his vote in the ongoing Kerala Assembly elections on Thursday and urged people to take part in the democratic process.
Sharing a selfie from his car, he showed the indelible ink mark on his index finger and encouraged voters across the state to step out and vote. He cast his vote at a school in the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram.
"Done my part. Your turn, Keralam go vote!" he wrote on his official X handle, encouraging people to exercise their franchise.
The post, shared on polling day, quickly gained traction online, with fans and social media users echoing his appeal for higher voter turnout.
Sharing a selfie from his car, he showed the indelible ink mark on his index finger and encouraged voters across the state to step out and vote. He cast his vote at a school in the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram.
"Done my part. Your turn, Keralam go vote!" he wrote on his official X handle, encouraging people to exercise their franchise.
The post, shared on polling day, quickly gained traction online, with fans and social media users echoing his appeal for higher voter turnout.
14:15 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Election 2026 Live: Thrissur records 50.48% voter turnout as of 1:30pm
Polling status by constituency
- Chelakkara 50.34%
- Kunnamkulam 48.06%
- Guruvayur 46.27%
- Manalur 49.21%
- Wadakkanchery 53.24%
- Ollur 52.82%
- Thrissur 52.23%
- Nattika 50.74%
- Kaipamangalam 47.72%
- Irinjalakuda 51.42%
- Puthukkad 53.41%
- Chalakudy 51.03%
- Kodungallur 49.89%
14:12 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: 4.6 lakh first-time voters, says state chief electoral officer Rathan U Kelkar
State chief electoral officer, Rathan U Kelkar stated, "The election in Keralam has been very peaceful and very progressive. At this point in time, we have crossed around 40% of our polling percentage. Looking at the trend, we are very hopeful that we'll be able to reach our target of 90%. The polling started on time at 7 a.m., and at 6 p.m. we'll be closing the polling. It's very heartening to see people turning up in big numbers. We hope that we'll be able to meet our target. This time, the first-time voters have also turned out in big numbers. In our electoral roll, we have 4.6 lakh first-time voters."
13:59 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Shashi Tharoor says Kerala polls a direct fight between LDF-UDF, claims "BJP not a factor here"
13:37 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: "UDF will come to power with a thumping majority. Within 24 hours of counting (of votes), the party high command will announce (name of CM)," said Congress leader MM Hassan.
13:33 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Election 2026 Live: "I have cast my vote this morning. It is my wish that those who are elected understand people not as friends or enemies but as people for whom they will administer. What is needed in the country now is the eradication of poverty and illiteracy. Hope the people who are elected make a good govt with good governance," said Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma XXII Metropolitan."I believe all that is happening in the world is affecting the people of Keralam as well. We need peace and not war," he added.
13:14 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: "When this govt was in opposition, they carried out a witch hunt against my father. They are protecting the people who carried out the witch hunt. They did not take any action. The CBI also concluded that my father was not guilty. Entire Keralam is voting against this government. Today is the day when my father will get justice by giving the Congress govt to the state," said Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen.
13:02 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Election 2026 Live: "We will see the victory of LDF once more. LDF is heading towards a mammoth victory. All over the state, we are getting reports that voters are pouring in to vote for LDF...The unholy alliance between Congress and BJP in Kerala has to be defeated...My appeal to the people is to vote for LDF as it is the hope and it is the political force which will defend secularism, democracy, federalism and stand for the poor in the country," said CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam.
13:00 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala polls: Over 33 per cent voter turnout recorded till 11 am
A 33 per cent voter turnout was witnessed in the first four hours of polling in Kerala Assembly elections on Thursday, officials said.
12:46 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Congress leader Shama Mohamed claims UDF set for ‘huge majority’, accuses BJP of ‘buying votes’
Congress leader Shama Mohammad on Thursday expressed confidence in the United Democratic Front (UDF) winning the 2026 Keralam Assembly elections with a "huge majority," while also claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is "desperate" and "buying votes"
Speaking to news agency ANI, Mohammad said that feedback from the ground indicated a clear demand for change, citing the state's pressing issues, including mounting debt, unemployment, and a growing drug problem. She also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party was attempting to influence voters through monetary incentives.
"UDF is winning this election with a huge majority. You must have seen that people on the ground are saying they want change. The state is in debt, there is unemployment, there is a drug problem in the state today. BJP is so desperate that they are buying votes," she said.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Mohammad said that feedback from the ground indicated a clear demand for change, citing the state's pressing issues, including mounting debt, unemployment, and a growing drug problem. She also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party was attempting to influence voters through monetary incentives.
"UDF is winning this election with a huge majority. You must have seen that people on the ground are saying they want change. The state is in debt, there is unemployment, there is a drug problem in the state today. BJP is so desperate that they are buying votes," she said.
12:44 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Man dies after voting at Vaniampara school, collapses while exiting booth
A 62-year-old man collapsed and died after casting his vote at Vaniampara here on Thursday. The deceased was identified as Vinodan, a native of Ramanchira near Vaniampara, police said.
According to police, Vinodan had reached EKM UP School in Vaniampara in the morning to cast his vote. After standing in the queue for nearly an hour, he exercised his franchise.
While coming out of the polling station, he suddenly collapsed at around 10.45 am, police said. Though people nearby rushed to help seat him on a chair, his condition worsened, police said.
An ambulance soon reached the spot and shifted him to a government hospital, where he was declared dead.
According to police, Vinodan had reached EKM UP School in Vaniampara in the morning to cast his vote. After standing in the queue for nearly an hour, he exercised his franchise.
While coming out of the polling station, he suddenly collapsed at around 10.45 am, police said. Though people nearby rushed to help seat him on a chair, his condition worsened, police said.
An ambulance soon reached the spot and shifted him to a government hospital, where he was declared dead.
12:11 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: "The BJP is not a factor here. This is a state where the BJP is a zero-seat party in the Assembly. To even mention them in the same breath is an excessive compliment. It is a fight between an incumbent LDF govt and a challenging UDF," said Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
12:02 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Election 2026 Live: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor casts his vote in Thiruvananthapuram
11:58 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Polls 2026 Live: Transport services, special booth set up for Wayanad landslide survivors
Special transport arrangements have been made to enable landslide survivors, who are living in temporary accommodations scattered across Wayanad, to reach polling booths at Chooralmala and Meppadi.Besides, a special polling booth has been set up at Govt Higher Secondary School, Meppadi, for voters of booth number 203, which was earlier located at Crescent English Medium School in Vellarimala village.
The booth has been shifted to ensure greater convenience for voters, said Vythiri assistant returning officer. The polling station will function on the eastern side of the new school building.District collector, who is also district election officer, D R Meghasree said eight KSRTC buses would be deployed between 11am and 2.30pm to ferry voters to the polling stations and back.
Around 700 people from the affected areas are expected to avail of the service.At 11am, buses will operate to Chooralmala polling centre from Kalpetta Civil Station, Old Bus Stand, New Bus Stand, Vaduvanchal, Vythiri, Meenangadi, Meppadi and Karapuzha. Return services at 2pm will depart from Kaniyambetta, Kalpetta Old Bus Stand, Kappamkolli, Thinapuram, Meppadi town and Nedumbala temple.
Read more11:47 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Election 2026 Live: "The mood of the people of Keralam is to bring back the existing LDF govt. The mood of the people is very positive. I am confident that we will come back to power. There is no anti-incumbency among the people," said CPI M MP Elamaram Kareem.
11:35 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: "It is more than a UDF wave; it is anti-Pinarayi wave, anti-LDF wave. People are fed up with the present Govt. It was a misrule and people suffered a lot. So, this time, UDF will get a massive victory. People of Kerala will teach LDF a lesson," said Senior Congress leader AK Antony.On BJP in Kerala, he stated, "One sentence - People of Kerala don't like BJP, their ideology."
11:29 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: "Election is a clear verdict of the people. People want to send off this present LDF Govt. UDF will have a clean sweep in Kerala. After the counting, UDF will form the Govt and LDF will sit in the Opposition. They will start discussing what went wrong for this miserable defeat. BJP is not a Kerala party; Kerala people don't like BJP. According to me, Pinarayi Govt's time is over. Hereafter, Pinarayi Govt will continue as a caretaker Govt," said Senior Congress leader AK Antony.
10:54 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: "Today is the day my father will get justice. The people of Kerala will get him justice by voting a UDF govt to power," says Chandy Oommen after casting his vote in Puthuppally constituency.
10:50 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: BJP president Nabin urges people of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to vote in large numbers
BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Thursday appealed to voters in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to turn out in large numbers and vote for progress and development.
Reaching out to the people of Assam, Nabin in a post on X said, "Your votes will be decisive not only in ensuring the security of Assam's 'land, daughters, and livelihood' but also in keeping the state free from infiltration and instability.
"Today is the day of resolve for Assam's progress and development."
"Your participation is absolutely essential to take the journey of development that has begun to the goal of 'Viksit Assam'," the BJP chief said, adding, "I urge all the people of the state, especially my young friends, to participate enthusiastically in this grand festival of democracy and to vote in the largest possible numbers."
In a similar appeal to the people of Kerala, Nabin said the time had come to move the state forward on the path of progress and inclusive growth.
"Your vote is the power to build a corruption-free, development-oriented, and appeasement-free government. It is time to ensure that Keralam moves forward on the path of progress and inclusive growth," he said.
"Today is a decisive day for the future of Keralam. I appeal to all my brothers and sisters, especially my young friends and first-time voters, to step out in large numbers and participate in this festival of democracy," Nabin said, adding, "Let your voice be heard for a stronger, safer, and 'Vikasita Keralam'."
The BJP chief also called upon the people of Puducherry to exercise their democratic right and vote in "record numbers".
"Your participation is vital to ensuring a stable, corruption-free, and progressive government. Every vote counts in shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for the region," Nabin said, adding, "Vote for progress. Vote for a 'Viksit Puducherry'."
Reaching out to the people of Assam, Nabin in a post on X said, "Your votes will be decisive not only in ensuring the security of Assam's 'land, daughters, and livelihood' but also in keeping the state free from infiltration and instability.
"Today is the day of resolve for Assam's progress and development."
"Your participation is absolutely essential to take the journey of development that has begun to the goal of 'Viksit Assam'," the BJP chief said, adding, "I urge all the people of the state, especially my young friends, to participate enthusiastically in this grand festival of democracy and to vote in the largest possible numbers."
In a similar appeal to the people of Kerala, Nabin said the time had come to move the state forward on the path of progress and inclusive growth.
"Your vote is the power to build a corruption-free, development-oriented, and appeasement-free government. It is time to ensure that Keralam moves forward on the path of progress and inclusive growth," he said.
"Today is a decisive day for the future of Keralam. I appeal to all my brothers and sisters, especially my young friends and first-time voters, to step out in large numbers and participate in this festival of democracy," Nabin said, adding, "Let your voice be heard for a stronger, safer, and 'Vikasita Keralam'."
The BJP chief also called upon the people of Puducherry to exercise their democratic right and vote in "record numbers".
"Your participation is vital to ensuring a stable, corruption-free, and progressive government. Every vote counts in shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for the region," Nabin said, adding, "Vote for progress. Vote for a 'Viksit Puducherry'."
10:36 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Elections Live: Actor Mammootty, Wife Sulfath Kutty arrive at polling station to cast vote
10:24 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: KC Venugopal says UDF will cross 100-mark, calls Kerala CM 'anti-people'
10:20 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Cash-for-vote row rocks BJP in Palakkad ahead of elections
A fresh political controversy erupted in Palakkad just hours before the assembly elections after Congress workers released a video on social media alleging that BJP workers distributed cash to influence voters in the constituency. Party workers alleged that NDA candidate Shobha Surendran and some BJP workers visited a house in Kannadi grama panchayat and gave money to an elderly voter named Devu on Wednesday morning.
As the video went viral, the issue quickly became a major political flashpoint, with UDF and LDF using it to attack BJP in the final hours of silent campaigns. However, Surendran denied the allegation and termed it baseless. She alleged that Congress targeted her because she was confident of winning in Palakkad. She also alleged that a local Congress leader and a journalist were behind the accusations and said she would file a police complaint against them.
The video shot by Congress workers showed a lady in a white dress giving cash to an elderly woman at a house in Tharuvakurissi. Congress workers said this lady was a BJP worker who came with Surendran and that the footage was secretly recorded on a mobile phone. They also claimed that Surendran was present nearby in the car used by BJP workers when the incident happened.
Read more10:10 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: BJP & CPM attempting to influence voters using money and kits, says V D Satheesan
Opposition leader V D Satheesan on Wednesday accused BJP and CPM of subverting democratic norms through money, kits and political propaganda. He said UDF will take legal action against BJP's Palakkad candidate, while expressing confidence that UDF's Ramesh Pisharody will win by a comfortable margin."Widespread attempts are being made by BJP and CPM to sway voters.
Congress released a video showing a BJP worker in Palakkad distributing money in the presence of their candidate. BJP is distributing saris and cash, introducing a corrupt culture previously unseen in Kerala," said Satheesan in Paravur.
He did not spare CPM and cited a specific incident in Adoor, where LDF distributed leaflets falsely labelling UDF candidate as a murder accused.
"The candidate was forced to address the media in tears because of baseless lies," he added.Satheesan predicted a UDF victory, saying the public would decisively reject the ‘undemocratic tactics' of LDF and BJP. "No amount of kits or fake leaflets can blind the people of Kerala to the truth," he added.In Kottayam, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal asked Election Commission (EC) to act on the cash-for-vote case in Palakkad. Visiting the family of a farmer who committed suicide in Vaikom on Wednesday, he said giving money to influence voters is a grave violation of election rules.
"Despite BJP openly distributing money in Palakkad, what is the EC doing? BJP's money power is visible throughout Kerala. It is common for BJP to give money to rig elections," added Venugopal. He noted that this trend was seen in Alappuzha and in other constituencies where BJP fancies its chances. Re
ad more10:07 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: CM Pinarayi Vijayan claims strong public support, says LDF will return with bigger mandate
Expressing confidence, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said people across Kerala support the LDF’s development agenda, citing low corruption and welfare measures, and added that the ruling front is likely to secure more seats this time.
10:06 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Prominent leaders, celebrities arrive as Kerala votes for new government
Top political leaders, candidates and prominent personalities reached polling booths early on Thursday morning as voting began across Kerala, where over 2.71 crore voters are set to decide the fate of 140 Assembly constituencies.
09:31 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: 16.82% voter turnout recorded in Thrissur district in first two hours
Thrissur district recorded a voter turnout of 16.82 per cent in the first two hours of polling, indicating a steady start as people continue to arrive at booths.
09:22 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Elections LIVE: Opposition leader VD Satheesan casts vote at Paravur, arrives with family
Kerala leader of opposition VD Satheesancast his vote at Paravur Kesari Memorial Government College, arriving at the polling station with his wife Lakshmipriya and daughter Unnimaya.
08:58 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Congress MP KC Venugopal casts his vote at Thiruvampady polling booth
Congress MP KC Venugopal cast his vote at a Higher Secondary School polling station in Thiruvampady during the ongoing assembly elections in Kerala.
08:43 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urges Kerala voters to choose ‘govt that listens, cares and delivers’
As Kerala votes to elect its new government, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of the state to vote for one that listens, cares and delivers.
In a post on X, Kharge said Kerala's strength has been its unity in diversity and asked them not to let that strength be weakened through division or distraction.
"My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam, You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands.
"Over the past years, you have faced rising unemployment, financial distress, and growing uncertainty. Farmers, plantation workers, youth, and small business owners have all asked a simple question: 'Where is the relief? Where is the opportunity?'" Kharge said.
Noting that Kerala's strength has always been its unity in diversity, he said, "Do not let division or distraction weaken that strength."
"I appeal to all to come out in large numbers and vote for a government that listens, cares, and delivers. Vote for justice. Vote for a better Keralam!" the Congress chief said.
In a post on X, Kharge said Kerala's strength has been its unity in diversity and asked them not to let that strength be weakened through division or distraction.
"My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam, You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands.
"Over the past years, you have faced rising unemployment, financial distress, and growing uncertainty. Farmers, plantation workers, youth, and small business owners have all asked a simple question: 'Where is the relief? Where is the opportunity?'" Kharge said.
Noting that Kerala's strength has always been its unity in diversity, he said, "Do not let division or distraction weaken that strength."
"I appeal to all to come out in large numbers and vote for a government that listens, cares, and delivers. Vote for justice. Vote for a better Keralam!" the Congress chief said.
08:28 (IST) Apr 09
Special transport arrangements have been made to enable landslide survivors, who are living in temporary accommodations scattered across Wayanad, to reach polling booths at Chooralmala and Meppadi.
Besides, a special polling booth has been set up at Govt Higher Secondary School, Meppadi, for voters of booth number 203, which was earlier located at Crescent English Medium School in Vellarimala village.
The booth has been shifted to ensure greater convenience for voters, said Vythiri assistant returning officer. The polling station will function on the eastern side of the new school building.
District collector, who is also district election officer, D R Meghasree said eight KSRTC buses would be deployed between 11am and 2.30pm to ferry voters to the polling stations and back. Around 700 people from the affected areas are expected to avail of the service.
At 11am, buses will operate to Chooralmala polling centre from Kalpetta Civil Station, Old Bus Stand, New Bus Stand, Vaduvanchal, Vythiri, Meenangadi, Meppadi and Karapuzha. Return services at 2pm will depart from Kaniyambetta, Kalpetta Old Bus Stand, Kappamkolli, Thinapuram, Meppadi town and Nedumbala temple.
The rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide survivors has emerged as a major election issue, not just in the district but across the state. LDF highlighted the proposed township at Elstone Estate and criticised UDF for delays in its housing project.
However, UDF questioned govt’s rehabilitation efforts, alleging that several affected families were left out.
Besides, a special polling booth has been set up at Govt Higher Secondary School, Meppadi, for voters of booth number 203, which was earlier located at Crescent English Medium School in Vellarimala village.
The booth has been shifted to ensure greater convenience for voters, said Vythiri assistant returning officer. The polling station will function on the eastern side of the new school building.
District collector, who is also district election officer, D R Meghasree said eight KSRTC buses would be deployed between 11am and 2.30pm to ferry voters to the polling stations and back. Around 700 people from the affected areas are expected to avail of the service.
At 11am, buses will operate to Chooralmala polling centre from Kalpetta Civil Station, Old Bus Stand, New Bus Stand, Vaduvanchal, Vythiri, Meenangadi, Meppadi and Karapuzha. Return services at 2pm will depart from Kaniyambetta, Kalpetta Old Bus Stand, Kappamkolli, Thinapuram, Meppadi town and Nedumbala temple.
The rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide survivors has emerged as a major election issue, not just in the district but across the state. LDF highlighted the proposed township at Elstone Estate and criticised UDF for delays in its housing project.
However, UDF questioned govt’s rehabilitation efforts, alleging that several affected families were left out.
08:20 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Elections Live: Union minister of state George Kurian casts his vote in Kottayam
Union Minister of State George Kurian cast his vote in Kottayam as polling continues across Kerala in assembly elections.
08:15 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Elections Live: Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran queues up at Thevara polling booth
Actor and film producer Prithviraj Sukumaran was seen standing in a queue at the Government Fisheries High School in Thevara as he waited to cast his vote in the ongoing assembly elections.
08:14 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Elections LIVE: CM Pinarayi Vijayan casts his vote in Kannur
08:00 (IST) Apr 09
Everything is important. Every voter must come out. Today, it is their duty, it is their fundamental right to come and express their opinion on the future of the state.
State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar
07:54 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Elections Live: Actor Mohanlal queues up at Thiruvananthapuram polling booth to cast vote
Actor Mohanlal was seen standing in a queue at the Government LP School in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, as he waited to cast his vote in the ongoing assembly elections.
07:53 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Election 2026 Live: BJP candidate R Sreelekha, Union Minister Suresh Gopi cast early votes
BJP’s Vattiyoorkavu candidate R Sreelekha and Union minister Suresh Gopi were among early voters, arriving at their respective polling stations to exercise their franchise.
07:29 (IST) Apr 09
I call upon the people of Kerala to ensure massive participation in voting in the 2026 Assembly elections. Record participation will infuse energy into Kerala's democratic ethos. I particularly request the youth and women of the state to come forward and register their votes.
PM Narendra Modi
07:26 (IST) Apr 09
Left Democratic Front (LDF) called upon voters to exercise their democratic right decisively in the upcoming elections, describing the vote as a crucial battle to protect the state’s progressive vision and development trajectory.
In a statement, LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan urged the electorate to support the front to ensure continuity in governance, asserting that public sentiment across the state indicated a clear advantage for LDF. He expressed confidence that the ruling alliance would return to power with an even stronger mandate.
LDF leadership sharply criticised UDF, alleging that the opposition had failed to raise any credible issues against govt. According to the statement, UDF has been unable to highlight corruption or administrative failures and has instead resorted to what it termed as baseless propaganda both inside and outside the assembly.
The statement said UDF’s campaign reflected political desperation, pointing to what it described as misleading narratives and attempts to create confusion among voters. LDF accused sections within opposition of engaging in divisive politics and opportunistic alliances driven by electoral compulsions.
Targeting the Congress-led front, LDF alleged that its leaders have been ineffective in countering central govt policies, even as Kerala consis-tently raised its voice against them. The statement highlighted LDF govt’s stance against what it called discriminatory policies and asserted that Kerala emerged as a strong voice of opposition at the national level.
In a statement, LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan urged the electorate to support the front to ensure continuity in governance, asserting that public sentiment across the state indicated a clear advantage for LDF. He expressed confidence that the ruling alliance would return to power with an even stronger mandate.
LDF leadership sharply criticised UDF, alleging that the opposition had failed to raise any credible issues against govt. According to the statement, UDF has been unable to highlight corruption or administrative failures and has instead resorted to what it termed as baseless propaganda both inside and outside the assembly.
The statement said UDF’s campaign reflected political desperation, pointing to what it described as misleading narratives and attempts to create confusion among voters. LDF accused sections within opposition of engaging in divisive politics and opportunistic alliances driven by electoral compulsions.
Targeting the Congress-led front, LDF alleged that its leaders have been ineffective in countering central govt policies, even as Kerala consis-tently raised its voice against them. The statement highlighted LDF govt’s stance against what it called discriminatory policies and asserted that Kerala emerged as a strong voice of opposition at the national level.
07:06 (IST) Apr 09
Kerala Assembly Elections Live: Polling begins across all 140 constituencies
The polling process has started in all 140 Assembly constituencies of Kerala, as voters queue up at booths across the state to exercise their democratic right.
7 More Updates
Kerala is set for a high-stakes assembly election on Thursday, with 2.71 crore voters deciding the fate of 140 constituencies. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) seeks a historic third consecutive term, while the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) aims for a comeback. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is attempting to open its account in the state. Voter demographics include 1.32 crore men, 1.39 crore women, 273 transgender persons, and over 2.42 lakh overseas voters, reflecting the scale of the electoral exercise.
The campaign has been intense and confrontational. In Palakkad, Congress alleged that BJP candidate Sobha Surendran distributed cash to voters. Surendran denied the claim, calling it fabricated and blaming local Congress leaders and a journalist. The incident revolves around visuals showing a woman offering money to an elderly voter, which she later denied receiving.
International observers are monitoring the election process. A foreign delegation, part of the Election Commission’s International Election Visitors’ Programme, visited Kerala polling stations to witness electoral procedures.
Political claims and predictions have dominated discourse. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar predicted a two-thirds UDF majority, alleging LDF-BJP collusion. BJP president Nitin Nabin urged voters to choose “progress over stagnation,” emphasizing transformative initiatives like high-speed rail and women’s empowerment. Congress leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala, highlighted anti-incumbency sentiment, criticizing LDF’s governance and farmer policies. CPM leader M Swaraj claimed Congress serves as a proxy for BJP when it wins in states.
The campaign has also seen controversies, including Tirur sports minister V Abdurahiman likening his seat to Pakistan, drawing criticism from UDF candidates, and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi alleging LDF obstruction in housing projects for landslide victims.
As Kerala heads to polls, the outcome will test whether the state continues its historic alternating power pattern or witnesses a political shift, with anti-incumbency, local dynamics, and consolidation of votes likely determining results.
The campaign has been intense and confrontational. In Palakkad, Congress alleged that BJP candidate Sobha Surendran distributed cash to voters. Surendran denied the claim, calling it fabricated and blaming local Congress leaders and a journalist. The incident revolves around visuals showing a woman offering money to an elderly voter, which she later denied receiving.
International observers are monitoring the election process. A foreign delegation, part of the Election Commission’s International Election Visitors’ Programme, visited Kerala polling stations to witness electoral procedures.
Political claims and predictions have dominated discourse. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar predicted a two-thirds UDF majority, alleging LDF-BJP collusion. BJP president Nitin Nabin urged voters to choose “progress over stagnation,” emphasizing transformative initiatives like high-speed rail and women’s empowerment. Congress leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala, highlighted anti-incumbency sentiment, criticizing LDF’s governance and farmer policies. CPM leader M Swaraj claimed Congress serves as a proxy for BJP when it wins in states.
The campaign has also seen controversies, including Tirur sports minister V Abdurahiman likening his seat to Pakistan, drawing criticism from UDF candidates, and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi alleging LDF obstruction in housing projects for landslide victims.
As Kerala heads to polls, the outcome will test whether the state continues its historic alternating power pattern or witnesses a political shift, with anti-incumbency, local dynamics, and consolidation of votes likely determining results.
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