The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is projected to secure 60-65 seats, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to win 3-5 seats. The majority mark in the Kerala Assembly is 71 seats.

The 2026 Assembly election follows a historic verdict in the 2021 polls, when the LDF broke Kerala’s long-standing pattern of alternating governments every five years. This election marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

According to exit polls, the UDF is predicted to win in a neck-and-neck contest with the LDF. Voter turnout in Kerala reached 78.27%, reflecting strong public engagement in this electoral process.

Key projections:

• The UDF is expected to win between 70-75 seats according to P-Marq.
• The LDF’s projected seat count ranges from 60-65 based on exit polls.
• The NDA’s anticipated performance is between 3-5 seats.

Yet, experts caution that exit polls are just predictions based on surveys and can turn out to be wrong on result day. The final results will be announced on May 4.

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E.A. Rajendran, a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema and television, passed away at the age of 71 on March 26, 2026. He died at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam, Kerala, after undergoing treatment for age-related ailments.

Rajendran was known for his versatile performances in character and antagonist roles, having appeared in around sixty films and numerous television serials throughout his career. His career-defining return began with the film Kaliyattam, which marked a significant moment in his artistic journey.

Born into a family with artistic roots, Rajendran was the husband of Sandhya, sister of actor M. Mukesh, and is survived by his son, actor Divyadarshan. The family has been involved in the film industry, with Rajendran stating, “My son is acting now, and we are also running a production company.”

In addition to his work in cinema, Rajendran served as the Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation, showcasing his diverse interests and contributions to society.

His funeral rites are scheduled to be held on March 27, 2026, and his mortal remains will be taken to his native village in Thrithallur, Thrissur. This sequence of events marks a significant loss for the Malayalam film community and his family.

Rajendran’s passing is felt deeply by many, as he was a beloved figure whose work resonated with audiences over the decades. His legacy in the film industry will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.

As the community mourns his loss, tributes are expected from fans and colleagues alike, reflecting on his contributions and the impact he had on the Malayalam cinema landscape.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any specific memorial events planned in his honor, but it is clear that E.A. Rajendran’s influence will be remembered for years to come.

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As the elections approach in Kerala, a critical question arises: Are the advertisements by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) promoting the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s achievements violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)? The answer appears to be yes, as these ads are currently under scrutiny for potential violations.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala has emphasized that compliance with the MCC will be strictly enforced. According to the MCC guidelines, any unauthorized political advertisements must be removed within 48 hours of the announcement of elections. This has raised concerns regarding the KSRTC’s promotional activities, which some critics argue could influence voters.

In response to the scrutiny, Rathan U Kelkar, a senior official, stated, “We need to submit a compliance report to the Election Commission of India. Whatever has been mandated under the MCC will be strictly carried out.” This indicates a commitment to adhere to the electoral guidelines, although the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen.

In addition to the controversy surrounding political advertisements, KSRTC is preparing for the upcoming summer festival season by operating 2,000 additional buses. Special services will be available from Bengaluru to various destinations between March 18 and 20, 2026. Passengers can benefit from a five percent discount on ticket prices for bulk bookings of four or more seats, as well as a ten percent discount for guaranteed round-trip bookings.

However, the political implications of these advertisements cannot be ignored. K Jayakumar, a political analyst, remarked, “If you want to enforce the MCC strictly, these things have to be followed up.” This statement underscores the need for vigilance in ensuring that all political entities comply with the MCC, not just the KSRTC.

A A Rahim, a member of the CPI, pointed out the potential inconsistency in enforcement, saying, “Both are legal. But if you remove the ads on KSRTC, you should ensure that all the ads on trains will also be removed.” This highlights the complexities involved in regulating political advertisements across different modes of public transport.

George Thomas, another political figure, defended the KSRTC’s advertisements, stating, “I don’t know why certain people are allergic to what they see on KSRTC buses. Advertisements and facts should be differentiated.” This comment reflects the ongoing debate about the nature of political messaging and its impact on public perception.

As the election date approaches, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments. The Chief Minister’s photograph has already been removed from the Kerala Government’s official website in compliance with MCC guidelines, indicating a proactive approach to adhere to electoral regulations. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of compliance measures that will be implemented by KSRTC and other public entities.

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“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’,” stated P A Mohammed Riyas, Kerala’s Public Works Department Minister, regarding his exclusion from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official event in Kochi on March 11, 2026.

Riyas’s absence, along with that of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other state ministers, has sparked a political row, particularly over the circumstances surrounding Riyas’s invitation. The Prime Minister inaugurated several development projects during the event, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66, a significant infrastructure initiative in the state.

State Ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty also opted not to attend, citing prior commitments in their constituencies. Rajesh remarked, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list.” This statement reflects the confusion and lack of communication that has characterized the event.

Riyas further criticized the exclusion as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who described the situation as “shocking” and “politically motivated”. The ongoing tensions between the Kerala government and the BJP have intensified, with accusations flying from both sides.

BJP leaders, however, defended the protocol followed during the event. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, stated, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol,” suggesting that the absence of Riyas was unwarranted.

Amid these political dynamics, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the Prime Minister’s event. This claim underscores the complex interplay of politics and community relations in Kerala.

The National Highway development project, which includes the Thalappady-Chengala stretch and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass, was revitalized after the Left Democratic Front government assumed power in 2016, following the intervention of Chief Minister Vijayan.

Kerala has been noted as the first state in India where the state government directly allocated funds for national highway development, marking a significant shift in infrastructure policy.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this event and the responses from both the Kerala government and the BJP will be closely monitored. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments or statements from the involved parties.

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“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’.” This statement from P A Mohammed Riyas, Kerala’s Public Works Department Minister, encapsulates the growing tensions following the absence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several ministers at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official event in Kochi.

The event, held on March 11, 2026, was marked by the inauguration of significant development projects, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66. However, it was overshadowed by a political row concerning Riyas’s exclusion from the guest list.

Riyas claimed he had not received any invitation, which he described as a deliberate political move. His sentiments were echoed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who called the exclusion “shocking” and “politically motivated.” The absence of other state ministers, such as M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty, who cited personal reasons for their non-attendance, further complicated the situation.

Rajesh stated, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list. I already have scheduled programmes in my constituency.” This remark highlights the confusion surrounding the invitation process.

The BJP, represented by leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar, defended the protocol followed in inviting the Chief Minister, asserting that the exclusion of Riyas was unnecessary. Chandrasekhar remarked, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol.”

BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan suggested that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the Prime Minister’s event, adding another layer to the political narrative.

The National Highway development project, which was revived after the Left Democratic Front government took power in 2016, has been a focal point of development in Kerala. The projects inaugurated during Modi’s visit included the Thalappady-Chengala stretch of NH 66 and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this event and the responses from both the state government and the BJP will be closely monitored. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential follow-up actions or statements from the involved parties.

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Decisive Moment

The boycott stems from the exclusion of Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas from the invitation list, which the Kerala government viewed as a breach of protocol. This decision has led to the withdrawal of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other cabinet members from participating in the event.

Immediate Effects

As a result of this boycott, the PM event will proceed without the presence of the Kerala cabinet members, which could diminish the event’s local significance. Riyas expressed his discontent, stating, “The PWD minister has been excluded, while the BJP state president has been invited,” highlighting the perceived political bias in the invitation process.

Expert Perspectives

Political analysts suggest that this incident reflects the growing tensions between the Kerala state government and the central government, particularly as the Prime Minister’s visit coincides with the ongoing campaign for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The event is not just a ceremonial occasion but a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Security Concerns

Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh also opted out of the event, citing previous security issues he faced at a PMO event. He remarked, “I was repeatedly asked by the security personnel to produce the Aadhaar card, despite they clearly knowing that I was the minister,” indicating a lack of respect for state officials.

The Kerala government has invested ₹5600 crore in ongoing national highway expansion projects, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development in the region. However, the political fallout from the PM event may overshadow these achievements.

Political Implications

The absence of state ministers at the PM event raises questions about the future collaboration between the state and central governments. Benny Behannan, a Congress leader, stated, “I did not want to endorse the political campaign of the BJP,” further illustrating the deepening political divide.

As the PM prepares for his visit, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments. The boycott by Kerala ministers not only alters the dynamics of the PM event but also signals a broader political struggle in the state.

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“The police failed to record the accuser’s statement or ensure her safety,” stated V.D. Satheeshan, highlighting the gravity of the situation surrounding Ganesh Kumar, a prominent political figure in Kerala. The allegations against Kumar, which include infidelity and domestic harassment, surfaced publicly on March 9, 2026, following an incident that reportedly occurred on March 7.

Bindhu Menon, Ganesh Kumar’s wife, accused him of infidelity, claiming she caught him ‘red-handed’ with another woman. This revelation has sparked significant political backlash, with calls for Kumar’s resignation from various political figures, including Jeby Mather, MP, who demanded his ousting from the Cabinet.

In response to the allegations, Ganesh Kumar has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as a political witch-hunt. “My personal life is mine. The people of Pathanapuram know me well like the back of their hand,” he asserted, emphasizing his long-standing political career as an MLA for five consecutive terms.

Kumar further criticized R Sreelekha for what he described as interference in his personal affairs, stating, “Who is Sreelekha, after all, to interfere in my personal life?” His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among some of his supporters who view the allegations as politically motivated.

The situation has escalated, with the Kerala Students Union petitioning the State Police Chief to take action against Kumar for domestic violence. This move underscores the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated by various factions within the political landscape.

As the controversy unfolds, V.D. Satheeshan has called for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to provide an explanation regarding the police’s inaction in this matter. The lack of immediate response from law enforcement has raised concerns about the treatment of domestic violence allegations in the region.

Bindhu Menon also alleged that during the incident, Ganesh Kumar’s staff attempted to take her mobile phone, further complicating the narrative surrounding the events. These claims have added to the urgency for a thorough investigation into the matter.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the allegations and the potential implications for Ganesh Kumar’s political career. As the situation develops, the political ramifications of these accusations are likely to resonate throughout Kerala’s political sphere.

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The Perumbalam Bridge, inaugurated on March 7, 2026, is a pivotal infrastructure development in Kerala, connecting Perumbalam Island with Arookutty panchayat. This bridge is notable for being the longest bridge built across Vembanad Lake, measuring 1157 meters in length and 11 meters in width.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 106 crore, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the bridge features three striking rainbow-colored bowstring arches in its middle section. It comprises 27 spans of 35 meters each, along with three bow-string arch spans of 55 meters each, and includes 1.5-meter-wide pedestrian walkways on both sides.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the bridge, emphasizing its role in fulfilling a long-standing demand of the residents of Perumbalam Island for a direct road link to the mainland. He stated, “If the LDF government is not in power, who would have taken care of the people of Perumbalam?” This statement underscores the political significance of the project.

The bridge is expected to ease travel for approximately 12,000 residents of Perumbalam Island, significantly improving their connectivity and access to essential services. Local MLA Dalima Jojo remarked, “The bridge was only a dream for the local people once and the Vijayan government had made it a reality for them now.”

Moreover, the bridge is anticipated to boost local tourism potential, contributing to the economic development of the area. The project was included in the 2016–17 state budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure in Kerala.

As the bridge opens new avenues for travel and tourism, the ultimate objective, as stated by Chief Minister Vijayan, is to create a ‘Nava Kerala’ (new Kerala) where the development of the state and the welfare of its people are equally prioritized.

While the inauguration marks a significant milestone, the long-term impact of the bridge on local communities and tourism remains to be fully assessed. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future maintenance and expansion plans for the bridge.

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