Anjali Nair’s plea to change name on EVMs rejected

A petition moved by actor Anjali Nair, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate in the Thripunithura Assembly constituency, seeking to change her name on ballot labels and electronic voting machines (EVMs) from ‘Anjali P.V.’ to her screen name was rejected on Saturday (April 4, 2026).

The order was issued by Returning Officer Rakesh V.R., following directions from the Kerala High Court to consider and decide on the plea urgently.

The candidate had argued that she was widely known as ‘Anjali Nair’, and that using ‘Anjali P.V.’, as in the electoral roll, could confuse voters. Her campaign materials also carried the screen name.

The request was rejected citing timing and procedural grounds. The Returning Officer noted that the nomination was filed on March 23 under ‘Anjali P.V.’, and that any request under Rule 8(2) of the Conduct of Election Rules must be made before the finalisation of the candidate list. With postal and home voting already under way, changes to EVMs were deemed administratively impossible, the order said.

It added that photographs and party symbols on ballots reduced the risk of voter confusion.

In a statement, the Twenty20 party alleged that the petition was rejected due to political motives. The candidate would decide on further action after consulting her party, it said.