New Delhi, March 17 (UNI) The Congress on Tuesday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, naming nominees for 55 constituencies across the state. The list, approved by the party’s Central Election Committee, signals the Congress’s early push to consolidate its position in a state where electoral contests have traditionally alternated between the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
The candidates span a wide geographic and social spectrum, including general, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) constituencies. Prominent names in the list include Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan from Paravur, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s son Chandy Oommen from Puthuppally, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala from Haripad, and K Muraleedharan from Vattiyoorkavu. The party has also fielded a mix of experienced leaders and younger faces, indicating an attempt to balance continuity with generational change.
In northern Kerala, the Congress has announced candidates such as Sajeev Joseph from Irikkur, Abdul Rasheed from Dharmadam, and KP Saju from Thalassery. In Wayanad district, reserved constituencies see Usha Vijayan contesting from Mananthavady (ST) and IC Balakrishnan from Sulthanbathery (ST), while T Siddique will contest from Kalpetta.
Central Kerala constituencies feature key contests with candidates like TJ Vinod from Ernakulam, Uma Thomas from Thrikkakara, and Mathew Kuzhalnadan from Muvattupuzha. In Thrissur district, the party has fielded TN Prathapan from Manalur and Rajan J Pallan from Thrissur, among others. In Palakkad, Ramesh Pisharody has been nominated, highlighting the party’s effort to bring in candidates with public visibility.
In southern Kerala, the Congress has named Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan from Kottayam, Shanimol Usman from Aroor, and Bindhu Krishna from Kollam. Notably, Ramya Haridas will contest from the reserved Chirayinkeezhu constituency, continuing her role as a prominent Dalit woman leader in the party.
The release of the list comes amid heightened political activity in Kerala, where the Congress is aiming to regain power after consecutive terms of the Left government led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The party is expected to announce additional candidates in subsequent phases as part of its broader electoral strategy.
With the election expected to witness intense competition, the Congress leadership has emphasized unity within its ranks and a focused campaign on governance, development, and welfare issues. The coming weeks are likely to see increased campaigning, alliances being fine-tuned, and sharper political messaging as Kerala prepares for another closely watched electoral battle.
