Kerala Assembly election 2026: Pala goes to polls on K. M. Mani’s death anniversary

As Kerala heads to the polls on Thursday, voters in the Pala Assembly constituency face more than a standard electoral choice. For, the day coincides with the seventh death anniversary of K.M. Mani, the late patriarch of the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)], whose political legacy continues to influence the region.

Mani passed away on April 9, 2019, at the age of 86. Traditionally, Kerala Congress (M) observes this day with a commemoration at Thirunakkara ground in Kottayam, where supporters pay tribute to his photograph. This year, however, the election schedule has changed the ritual.