Kerala Polls: Tejashwi Yadav backs LDF, aims to stop 'communal forces'

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav reaffirmed support for the LDF in Keralam's elections, confident of victory. He said the goal is to block 'communal forces' and promote pro-people governance, earning thanks from CM Pinarayi Vijayan for his campaign efforts.

RJD Backs LDF to Keep 'Communal Forces' Out

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday reaffirmed the party's support for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the ongoing Keralam assembly elections, stating that the alliance has full confidence in LDF's victory.

Speaking to ANI, Tejashwi Yadav said, "We have allied with the LDF and have come here for campaigning. We have full confidence that LDF will win and form the government again. Keralam is a developed state compared to Bihar. We give examples of Kerala's health and education sectors. We want the LDF to form the government in Kerala." He further added, "Nationally, we have a broader INDIA alliance, but in some states, we are contesting separately. Our agenda is clear - to not allow communal forces to enter Keralam." Tejashwi emphasised that the alliance's focus in Kerala is to support governance that prioritises development, public welfare, and the protection of secular values in the state.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan Thanks Yadav for Support

Earlier, the RJD leader addressed an election meeting in support of CPI(M) candidate Sakeer from Ponnani constituency in Malappuram district of Keralam on Tuesday, inviting the state CM's gratitude. Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan thanked Tejashwi for his visit, posting on X, "Thank you for your solidarity and for joining the LDF's campaign in Keralam. Your presence and support strengthen our collective fight to protect our secular fabric and advance a pro-people alternative. Together, we will ensure a resounding victory for the people of Keralam."

Keralam Election Context

The Election Commission of India, on March 15, announced that the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.

The BJP-led NDA is aiming to unseat the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and gain control of the 140-member Keralam Niyamasabha. The LDF has governed the state for approximately a decade, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan leading consecutive terms.

Recap of the 2021 Assembly Election

In the Keralam Legislative Assembly election held in a single phase on April 6, 2021, the results were declared on May 2, 2021. The incumbent LDF retained power with 99 seats, marking the first time since 1977 that a ruling alliance secured consecutive terms in the state. The UDF won 41 seats, while the NDA saw a decline in vote share and lost its only seat in the Assembly.

Following the victory, Pinarayi Vijayan became the first Chief Minister of Kerala to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term in office.

In terms of vote share, the LDF received 41.5 per cent of the total votes, significantly ahead of the UDF, which secured 38.4 per cent. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured 11.4 per cent of the votes but failed to win a single seat in the election. (ANI)

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