From Pinarayi Vijayan to Rajeev Chandrasehkhar: 10 key candidates in fray for Kerala election 2026​

Sitting chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, is leading the Left Democratic Front (LDF), positioning himself as the central face of the ruling alliance. Running for his third term from the Dharmadam constituency, this election will be a decisive test for the CPI(M )'s political dominance and legacy in Kerala politics. (Image credit: TOI)

The Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan of the Indian National Congress, is spearheading the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), emerging as the key face of the opposition alliance. Contesting again from Paravur constituency, he is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the UDF’s campaign in the 2026 Kerala elections (Image Credit: TOI)

Veteran leader K K Shailaja of the CPI(M) remains one of the most recognisable faces of the LDF, contesting from the Mattannur constituency in Kannur district. Widely known as “Shailaja Teacher” and for her role in handling the Nipah and COVID-19 outbreaks, she enjoys strong public goodwill. This election will test whether that popularity continues to translate into electoral strength. (Image credit: TOI)

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala of the INC is a key figure in the UDF, contesting from Haripad in Alappuzha district. Known for his grassroots outreach, especially his long state-wide yatras to connect directly with voters, he remains a strong organisational force. (Image credit: TOI)

A former Union minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan of the BJP, is contesting from the Kazhakootam constituency. Known for his rise through the ranks of student politics and party organisation, he adds strategic depth despite limited electoral success in the state. His role in this election reflects the BJP’s push to gain stronger ground in Kerala. (Image Credit: X)

BJP state president and former Union IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is among the high-profile NDA candidates, contesting from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency. Leveraging his background as a former tech industry figure, he represents the BJP’s push to field influential faces in key urban seats. (Image credit: TOI)

Health minister Veena George of CPI(M) is another prominent LDF leader in the fray, contesting from the Aranmula constituency. A former journalist, she gained state-wide recognition for her role in managing Kerala’s public health responses in recent years. (Image credit: X)

Education minister V Sivankutty of the CPI(M) is a prominent LDF leader, contesting from the Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram. Interestingly, it also happens to be the first seat won by the BJP in the state assembly. Known for his strong grassroots connections and long political journey, he has remained an influential figure in state politics. (Image credit: TOI)

Congress leader Chandy Oommen of the Indian National Congress is among the party's young face in the UDF, representing the Puthuppally constituency in Kottayam district. Son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, he carries forward a strong political legacy while building his own connect with voters. (Image credit: X)

INC leader Sunny Joseph, known familiarly amongst his supporters as Sunnychaayan, represents UDF as he contests from the Peravoor constituency in Kannur district. Known for his low-profile yet consistent grassroots work, he has built a reliable support base over the years.