Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Fronts show their might in campaign finale in Kochi

Ernakulam district witnessed a dramatic culmination of high-decibel electioneering for the April 9 Assembly elections on Tuesday, with all major political fronts staging vibrant and high-energy finales, known as ‘Kalasakkottu’, across the 14 Assembly constituencies.

Hundreds of party workers and supporters poured into designated centres, turning the final hours of public campaigning into a spectacle of colour, music and coordinated shows of strength.

In Kalamassery, Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate P. Rajeeve led a charged rally at South Kalamassery, where rapper Vedan emerged as the star attraction, performing his popular numbers. CPI(M) flags mounted on drones soared above the crowd, while life-size cutouts of the candidate were on display. CPI(M) State secretariat member M. Swaraj and district secretary S. Sathish joined Mr. Rajeeve, as party songs and announcements kept the momentum high, interspersed with political parodies targeting the UDF.

CPI(M) workers hold aloft their party symbol during ‘Kalasakkottu’ in Kochi.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

The grand finale of United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate V.E. Abdul Gafoor also drew large crowds, with cutouts and flags of the Congress and the IUML dominating the rally venue. Senior Congress leader B.A. Abdul Muthalib joined the candidate, energising party workers.

UDF candidate and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan with supporters in Paravur.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) supporters also thronged South Kalamassery for the campaign finale of its candidate M.P. Binu.

UDF candidate Uma Thomas waves to supporters on the final lap of the campaign in Thrikkakara.
| Photo Credit:
AP

In North Paravur, Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan, seeking his sixth term in a row, joined UDF supporters amid a sea of large flags and towering cutouts at Nambooriachan Aalthara. He was seen posing for selfies with enthusiastic followers. The campaign rallies of LDF’s E.T. Taison Master and NDA’s Valsala Prasannakumar also concluded at the location.

LDF candidate and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve among supporters in Kalamassery.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

At Thrikkakara, UDF candidate Uma Thomas’ campaign ended on a high note at NGO Quarters Junction in Kakkanad, drawing a large crowd of supporters. Ms. Thomas was joined by Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol. Meanwhile, LDF candidate Pushpadas led a spirited ‘Kalasakkottu’ at Collectorate Junction, Kakkanad, where jubilant supporters lifted her onto their shoulders. NDA’s Akhil Marar’s campaign concluded at Vyttila amid cheering by workers of the BJP, Twenty20 and their alies.

An NDA rally at Kalamassery on the final day of the public campaign.
| Photo Credit:
R.K. Nithin

Candidates of all three major fronts in Thripunithura – UDF’s Deepak Joy, LDF’s K.N. Unnikrishnan and NDA’s Anjali Nair – ended their campaign at Statue Junction where hundreds of their supporters converged for a political festivity.

In Ernakulam constituency, UDF candidate T.J. Vinod made a striking entry to the ‘kalashakottu’ on horseback, drawing cheers from supporters. LDF’s Sabu George’s campaign finale at Kaloor, meanwhile, drew a crowd of Left supporters. NDA candidate P.R. Sivasankar’s campaign ended with a high-energy road show from Woodlands Junction to Madhava Pharmacy Junction.

Artistes perform during an election campaign by NDA in Kalamassery constituency on the final day of campaigning.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Muvattupuzha saw parallel high-energy finales, with UDF candidate Mathew Kuzhalnadan concluding his public campaign at P.O. Junction and LDF’s N. Arun at Kacherithazham, both events drawing steady crowds along the route. NDA candidate Sunny Kadoothazhe held a roadshow from Velloorkkunnam to Nehru Park.

Congress worker collapses and dies

A Congress worker, Ali Valyathuparambu, 68, of Thathappilly collapsed and died during the ‘Kalasakkottu’ at North Paravur. Though he was rushed to the Taluk Hospital, North Paravur, he was declared brought dead.