Kerala Assembly polls 2026: UDF ramps up challenge in Palakkad, targets LDF strongholds

The United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Congress is mounting a challenge to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in several of Palakkad’s 12 Assembly constituencies. While the LDF currently holds 10 of the 12 seats, UDF leaders are optimistic about wresting at least two more seats while retaining strongholds such as Palakkad and Mannarkkad.

At least six constituencies — Palakkad, Thrithala, Pattambi, Ottapalam, Kongad and Malampuzha — are witnessing keenly contested battles, with Palakkad emerging as the fiercest. In Palakkad, a triangular fight has developed between BJP’s Sobha Surendran, UDF’s Ramesh Pisharody and LDF’s N.M.R. Razak.

BJP cadres remain upbeat, banking on the party’s high-profile and resource-intensive campaign; but both the UDF and LDF have accelerated their outreach, posing a stiff challenge to Ms. Surendran. The UDF is confident of retaining its position.

Malampuzha is another focal point, where BJP State vice president C. Krishnakumar is giving a strong challenge to LDF incumbent A. Prabhakaran. The Congress says that UDF candidate A. Suresh, formerly V.S. Achuthanandan’s personal assistant, could emerge as a dark horse in the contest. But it needs to be seen.

Thrithala sees a high-stakes rematch between UDF’s V.T. Balram and LDF incumbent M.B. Rajesh. Mr. Balram, aiming to overturn his 2021 defeat, is reportedly applying lessons learned from the last election, while Mr. Rajesh remains confident of repeating his victory.

In Pattambi, LDF incumbent Mohammed Muhsin faces UDF’s T.P. Shaji, with reports of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) support adding an extra layer of unpredictability. LDF sources caution that Mr. Muhsin’s re-election will not be a cakewalk.

Ottapalam has emerged as one of the most intriguing contests, with ousted CPI(M) leader P.K. Sasi challenging LDF incumbent K. Premkumar as an independent backed by the UDF. Filmmaker Major Ravi, contesting on a BJP ticket, adds more intrigue to the race.

The UDF is also pinning hopes on Kongad, where K.A. Thulasi, wife of Palakkad MP V.K. Sreekandan, is taking on LDF incumbent K. Santhakumari. Similarly, Chittur is a key battleground with UDF’s Sumesh Achuthan, Municipal Chairman of Chittur-Thattamangalam, facing off against LDF’s V. Murugadas after a strong performance in the 2025 local body elections.

While the LDF retains its strongholds, the UDF is mounting serious challenges in Tharur, Alathur, Nenmara and Shoranur. Apart from Palakkad and Malampuzha, the BJP is focusing on Shoranur as well. Palakkad district has a total electorate of 22.68 lakh, including 11.56 lakh women and 11.12 lakh men. Among the constituencies, Pattambi (2.10 lakh), Ottapalam (2.09 lakh), Mannarkkad (2.06 lakh) and Thrithala (2.03 lakh) have the largest voter bases, while Tharoor (1.64 lakh) and Alathur (1.65 lakh) have the smallest.