Modi targets LDF-UDF ‘adjustment politics’, positions NDA as Kerala’s sole alternative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) campaign on Sunday ahead of the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections , attacking both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) and asserting that the BJP‑led alliance will form the next government in the state. Modi’s campaign stop in Palakkad , followed by a large roadshow in Thrissur , underlined the NDA’s push to expand its footprint in Kerala’s traditionally bipolar political landscape.

Kerala voters are due to cast their ballots on April 9, 2026 , for all 140 seats in the Legislative Assembly, with a party or alliance requiring 71 seats for a majority . The LDF , led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan , has been in power since 2016 and won 99 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections , returning for a second consecutive term. Its main rival, the UDF , led by the Congress , is seeking a comeback, while the BJP‑led NDA aims to make significant inroads after limited success in the state. The results will be counted on May 4, 2026 .

Addressing a packed gathering at Fort Maidan in Palakkad, Modi launched a sharp critique of the two dominant fronts, saying, “For decades the LDF and the UDF have together looted Kerala… in this arrangement, our Kerala has remained trapped.” He accused their longstanding rivalry of amounting to what he termed “ adjustment politics ,” arguing that their collaboration had stifled development and governance. “The Congress and the Left abuse each other falsely. You must remain cautious of both of them,” he added, urging voters to look beyond the traditional duopoly.

Highlighting what he described as a groundswell of public sentiment for change, Modi declared, “Keralam is sending a message of change,” claiming growing support for the BJP among youth , women and farmers. “In Kerala, Team BJP and Team NDA are to form the government. With the blessings of the people of Kerala, with all your support, we will form the government here, and we will leave no stone unturned in serving Kerala,” he said.

Modi also alleged misuse of central funds by the LDF and UDF, stating “This money belonged to you, but they have looted it,” and warned that the alleged wrongdoings of both fronts “will be exposed.” He promised that an NDA government would recover looted money and accelerate development in the state.

After his rally in Palakkad, Modi travelled by helicopter to Thrissur , where he led a grand roadshow through central city streets. Thousands of supporters lined the route, waving flags and cheering as he passed in an open vehicle. Senior NDA leaders, including Union Minister and BJP MP Suresh Gopi , accompanied him, signalling a high‑energy campaign push across regions of Kerala.

The BJP has also been stepping up its electoral preparations, unveiling its first list of 47 candidates to contest seats across the state. Analysts say the BJP’s goal is not just to increase its vote share, which has gradually risen over the years, but to position the NDA as a credible alternative to both the LDF and UDF in Kerala’s deeply competitive political environment.