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Kerala Assembly Elections: Vijayan Aims for Third Term, 78% Turnout

4/10/2026

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Vijayan Seeks Reelection

Kerala held Assembly elections on April 9, 2026, with about 2.71 crore voters.
Led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Left Democratic Front seeks a third term amid competition from United Democratic Front and National Democratic Alliance.
In Dharmadam, Vijayan faces United Democratic Front candidate V. P. Abdul Rasheed.
In Nemom, BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar contests.
Turnout reached about 78%, with results due on May 4, 2026.

Summary

Salim Kumar Votes

Veteran actor Salim Kumar voted in Ernakulam while recovering from illness and predicted a change in the upcoming elections.
He said the high voter turnout reflects people's desire for change.
Other actors, including Prithviraj and Aparna Balamurali, emphasized the importance of voting.
Aashiq Abu and Rima Kallingal voted in Thrikkakara and cited visible changes over the past decade in support of the incumbent government.

History

Historical Context

The 1957 Kerala Assembly elections marked a pivotal moment in Indian politics, as the Communist Party of India, led by E.M.S. Namboodiripad, formed the nation's first democratically elected communist government. With around 2.5 crore voters participating, this election reflected a surge in political engagement. The government's dismissal in 1959 amid the Liberation Struggle continues to influence Kerala's political landscape today.

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Vijayan Seeks Reelection

Kerala held Assembly elections on April 9, 2026, with about 2.71 crore voters.
Led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Left Democratic Front seeks a third term amid competition from United Democratic Front and National Democratic Alliance.
In Dharmadam, Vijayan faces United Democratic Front candidate V. P. Abdul Rasheed.
In Nemom, BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar contests.
Turnout reached about 78%, with results due on May 4, 2026.

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