Kerala Assembly polls 2026: CPI(M) announces candidates in 86 seats

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] announced its candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections shortly after the Election Commission unveiled the election dates. M.V. Govindan, the state secretary of the party, led the announcement with roadshows beginning in constituencies across the state. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) seeks to secure a third consecutive term in power and has fielded 56 sitting MLAs, many of whom are Ministers. This strategy aims to counter the Opposition's narrative of anti-incumbency. Notably, all incumbent CPI(M) MLAs in some districts like Thiruvananthapuram will be contesting. The LDF has fielded a majority of its own candidates for the 86 seats contested by the party, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan slated to contest from Dharmadam constituency. A list of prominent ministers and former Ministers including V. Sivankutty, Veena George, K.N. Balagopal, R. Bindu, P. Rajeeve, M.B. Rajesh, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, V.N. Vasavan, Saji Cherian, and O.R. Kelu will also be contesting. Independent candidates, including former Minister K.K. Shailaja, C.N. Raveendranath, and A.C. Moideen, are also on the list. The CPI(M) has fielded ten women candidates, including P.K. Shyamala, Pushpa Das, K. Shanthakumari, M.B. Shiny, U. Prathibha, Daleema Jojo, and O.S. Ambika. Govindan expressed confidence in the people's support for the LDF, citing its welfare initiatives and major projects like the National Highway development and the GAIL pipeline project. The CPI(M) is yet to finalize the candidature of Antony Raju from Thiruvananthapuram constituency pending court proceedings on Monday. Five more Independent candidates will be announced soon for Palakkad, Koduvally, Kondotty, Tirur, and Kottakkal districts.