Kerala

Kerala, a state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India, has a unique political landscape that stands out within the Indian political spectrum. Known for its high literacy rates, progressive social policies, and political activism, Kerala's political profile is shaped by a vibrant democratic tradition and a history of electoral politics that swings between the Left and the Right, making it a significant study in contrast to many other Indian states.

The political scene in Kerala is predominantly marked by the competition between two major coalitions: the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). The LDF is led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), and includes other left-wing parties, while the UDF is primarily led by the Indian National Congress, along with other centrist and right-leaning parties. This bipolar political structure has led to a pattern where power alternates between these two coalitions in state elections, reflecting a politically engaged and ideologically motivated electorate.

Kerala's political distinctiveness is also underscored by its history of land reforms, educational policies, and healthcare initiatives, which have contributed to its high human development indices. The state's commitment to social welfare is evident in its achievements in public health, education, and social security, often setting benchmarks for the rest of the country.

Moreover, Kerala has a strong tradition of political activism and mass movements, dating back to the struggle for independence and reform movements that aimed at caste and gender equality. The state's political culture is characterized by high levels of political participation and awareness among its citizens, which is reflected in the significant voter turnout during elections.

In recent years, Kerala has also seen the rise of identity politics, with various caste and religious groups asserting their influence. However, the state's political discourse remains largely focused on development issues, social justice, and secularism. The environmental and developmental challenges, such as those posed by climate change and sustainable development, are increasingly becoming part of the political conversation in Kerala.

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KERALA NEWS

Delhi Confidential: Capital Contest

May 12, 2026 4:07 am

Venugopal, who is currently general secretary (organisation), is the closest leader to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress will have a tough time replacing him.

V D Satheesan at Idea Exchange: ‘Leaders should discuss the future of the states. Only then will we be able to come back to power in many states’

May 11, 2026 7:54 am

A six-term MLA, VD Satheesan is widely credited as a key architect behind the Congress-led UDF’s renewed strength in Kerala. The 62-year-old Congress leader played a pivotal role in reorganising the Opposition and sharpening its political strategy against the LDF government.

KEAM 2026 result announcement after Kerala +2 results

May 11, 2026 12:26 pm

KEAM 2026 results out: With the results declared, qualified candidates will have to submit their Plus Two marks for the preparation of the final engineering rank list at cee.kerala.gov.in/keam2026.

The strike, which had paralysed operations at the plant since September 9, saw more than a thousand workers demanding union recognition and improved working conditions. (File), Kerala

Is the Left really outdated? The truth about the Kerala model and social harmony

May 09, 2026 1:10 pm

For the Left, politics is not confined to seminar rooms, literary festivals or cocktail conversations about secularism. We have stood consistently with people in moments of fear and abandonment

The Congress high command has started consulting Kerala MLAs and alliance partners as competition intensifies among V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala for the chief minister’s post.

Many MLAs with Venugopal, party workers back Satheesan: In race for Kerala CM post, AICC assesses options

May 07, 2026 2:17 pm

Ramesh Chennithala is another leader in contention, and his camp is confident his seniority will be taken into account.

On Vijayan turf, a question hovers: Did cadre revolt seal CPI(M) fate in Kannur

May 07, 2026 1:52 am

In CPI(M)'s stronghold district, two party rebels win with UDF's support, while its winning seats see a sharp dip in margins, including in Vijay's Dharmadam

Key Congress face in Kerala, who went for broke: V D Satheesan, LoP to UDF lynchpin

‘Look for vision, not administrative experience’: Kerala CM frontrunner V D Satheesan

May 07, 2026 2:43 am

The LoP and five-time MLA talks about putting together the Congress campaign, and why the party needs to “talk the language of Gen Z”

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan, former Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal

Satheesan, Venugopal or Chennithala? Race heats up in Congress for Kerala’s top post day after historic win

May 06, 2026 6:34 am

Satheesan is banking on his performance as Leader of Opposition, but Chennithala is staking his claim based on seniority, while Venugopal is relying on his strong connection with the high command

Daily Briefing: From Bengal to Tamil Nadu, voters deliver clear mandate for change

May 05, 2026 9:55 am

In today’s edition: A sweeping vote for change reshapes the political landscape—from the BJP’s landslide in Bengal and Sarma’s dominance in Assam to TVK’s disruption in Tamil Nadu and the UDF’s surge in Kerala.

Key Congress face in Kerala, who went for broke: V D Satheesan, LoP to UDF lynchpin

May 05, 2026 7:00 am

Six-time MLA Satheesan, who led UDF's successful campaign in Kerala elections, is widely considered to be a Congress front-runner for CM's post

KERALA PHOTOS

In Pictures: Attukal Pongala celebrations in Kerala

March 03, 2026 4:53 pm

On the ninth day, a full moon day, considered the pongala day, millions of women gather near the temple surroundings and prepare consecrated food made of rice in earthen pots (pongala/porridge) and offer it to Attukal Amma, the Goddess of the Temple.

Wayanad Landslide: 93 dead, Coast Guard dispatches equipment and dog teams for rescue ops

July 30, 2024 10:05 pm

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 93 people have died and around 128 were injured in the massive landslides in the northern Wayanad district, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.

Heavy rain, floods wreak havoc in part of India

June 08, 2024 1:43 pm

The southwest monsoon, which entered Maharashtra continued to pass over the state and has advanced into parts of central Arabian sea, parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, coastal Andhra Pradesh, central Bay of Bengal and northwest Bay of Bengal.

Kerala on high alert following Nipah outbreak

September 15, 2023 1:36 pm

Indian fans celebrate Argentina's long walk to World Cup victory

December 19, 2022 12:53 pm

Indian fans celebrate Argentina's win at the FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Qatar.

'Sea erosion, loss of traditional livelihood': Kerala fishermen up in arms against Adani Port project

August 22, 2022 10:32 pm

'Sea erosion, loss of traditional livelihood': Fishermen up in arms against Adani Port project

Orange alert issued in Kerala, heavy rainfall leads to waterlogging in the state

August 01, 2022 2:19 pm

An Orange alert has also been issued in eight districts for August 2, 12 for August 3 and 12 on August 4, according to an IMD district rainfall forecast.

Frost in Munnar as temperature dips below zero

February 02, 2022 9:11 pm

On February 2, Chundavurri estate, near Munnar recorded a temperature of minus 1-degree celsius.

In Pictures: Rahul Gandhi swimming with Kerala fishermen during his recent Kollam visit

February 26, 2021 10:36 am

During his recent visit to Kerala, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with the fishing community, ventured into the sea with the fishermen and took a stab at fishing.

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Air India Express flight from Dubai crashlands in Kozhikode | See pictures

August 08, 2020 12:02 pm

An Air India Express flight with 190 passengers on board skidded off the runway and split into two while trying to land at Kerala’s Kozhikode airport in heavy rain on Friday evening.