With a Focus on Health, Jobs, and Welfare, both the LDF and UDF Release their Election Manifestos

As Kerala, Deivathinte Swantham Nadu (God’s Own Country) gears up for the Assembly elections, all major alliances have released their election manifestos. On 2 April 2026, both the LDF and the UDF released their manifestos on the same day ahead of the Kerala Assembly Election 2026, with some reiterating old promises while others introduced new ones. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had released its election manifesto earlier, on 31 March 2026, days before the LDF and UDF.

The three alliances have focused on public welfare along with infrastructure development. From strong employment generation promises to a solid infrastructure push, the LDF, UDF, and BJP-led NDA appear to be well-prepared this time.

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Key Highlights from LDF Election manifesto 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan released the document in Kozhikode, Kerala. The manifesto of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) is divided into two parts and focuses on around 60 programmes, highlighting employment generation, social welfare, and other key areas, in case the LDF forms the government for a third consecutive term.

Vijayan recalled the difficult times Kerala faced during his tenure and said that the LDF government had steered the state in the right direction, helping it tackle major challenges such as the 2018 floods, the Nipah outbreak, and COVID-19.

The manifesto places a central focus on ensuring jobs for all students who have completed their education in the state. According to the LDF manifesto, the alliance aims to provide employment to 60,000 people in the current academic year.

The front has also vowed to fulfil its promise over the next five years by creating jobs for 20 lakh women. It further stated that it will provide interest-free loans to educated youth to help them start their own ventures and businesses.

In the welfare section, the ruling alliance has also vowed to increase social security pensions to ₹3,000 per month. Meanwhile, in the development sector, the manifesto pledges to continue working on building a high-speed North–South railway corridor. The Left has also promised to attract ₹2 lakh crore in investment into the industrial sector if it secures a third consecutive term in Kerala.

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Key Highlights from UDF Election Manifesto 2026

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) released its manifesto in Kochi, focusing on various sectors. The manifesto promises free travel for all women on Kerala State Transport buses, an increase in welfare pensions, and other benefits.

With a key focus on “Mission Samudra”, the alliance has proposed a plan to transform Kerala into a global maritime hub by leveraging its coastline, rivers, and ports.

The manifesto also outlines other major plans, such as the expansion of the aviation sector, including upgrading airports and setting up maintenance hubs. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan handed the manifesto to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and stated that if the UDF comes to power in 2026, a ministry for senior citizens will be established.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had announced several guarantees if the UDF wins the Kerala Assembly Election 2026. Along with free bus travel for all women on KSRTC buses, he also promised ₹1,000 for college girls.

The UDF has focused on youth and women, allocating 5% of funds for youth-led projects and increasing support for women’s employment and safety. In the healthcare sector, the manifesto promises budget allocation for free dialysis for families below the poverty line.

It also includes reforms to strengthen anti-ragging legislation and provide scholarships for studies in India and abroad. Satheesan stated that the UDF government will meet once every month to ensure that the manifesto promises are fulfilled.

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