Kerala assembly polls: BJP eyes breakthrough as LDF, UDF face do-or-die battle

As Kerala prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections, the BJP-led NDA has emerged as an unavoidable third front, focusing on Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts where it has tasted recent electoral success. The BJP's victory in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and Suresh Gopi's parliamentary win in Thrissur have boosted party confidence. Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced he will contest from Nemom, the only seat BJP won in 2016 through O Rajagopal. BJP leaders claim their development-oriented politics contrasts with the bipolar, controversy-ridden politics of Congress and CPM. The Sabarimala gold pilferage case continues to dominate political discourse, with BJP accusing CPM leaders of involvement. For all three fronts—LDF, UDF, and NDA—this election represents a crucial battle, with the LDF facing potential loss of its last remaining state government, the Congress-led UDF confronting internal party dynamics if defeated, and the BJP seeking its most favourable electoral opportunity in Kerala's history.