Keralam BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar cast his vote on Thursday in the ongoing Assembly elections, describing the contest as important and urging voters to 'make their vote about change.' Chandrasekhar, contesting from the high-profile Nemom Assembly constituency, voted at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram.
After voting, he told ANI, “This is an extremely important election. I am happy that I am a part of it as a voter and a candidate.” He appealed to voters, saying, “I request every voter to cast their vote in this important election and make their vote about change.”
Chandrasekhar criticised rival parties, stating, “The Congress and CPM are forced by the BJP to talk about development. BJP-NDA’s strong show in this election will change the political narrative and make politicians more accountable.”
The Nemom Assembly constituency is witnessing a closely contested triangular battle between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). BJP has fielded Chandrasekhar against incumbent MLA and Keralam Education Minister V Sivankutty of the CPI(M), while the UDF candidate is KS Sabarinadhan.
Nemom has seen fluctuating electoral results. In 2016, BJP veteran O Rajagopal won the seat, marking the party’s first in the Keralam Assembly. The CPI(M) regained the constituency in 2021 when Sivankutty narrowly defeated BJP candidate Kummanam Rajasekharan.
With the BJP aiming to expand in Keralam, Nemom remains a key battleground. The party’s recent local body election successes, including gains in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, have increased its confidence.
The campaign has focused on development, governance, and mutual allegations. While the LDF emphasises its development achievements, the BJP accuses the state government of failing to fulfil its promises.
Polling has gained momentum across Keralam, with several prominent leaders voting earlier on Thursday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan voted at Pinarayi RC Amala Basic Upper Primary School in Kannur. Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly V D Satheesan voted at Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam. Keralam Congress president Sunny Joseph cast his vote in Kannur, and Congress MP Hibi Eden voted at SNDP Nursery School in Kochi. UDF candidate from Palakkad Assembly constituency Ramesh Pisharody voted at a polling station in Thrippunithura.
Polling for the 2026 Keralam Assembly elections is being held in a single phase, with counting scheduled for May 4.