UDF Launches 2026 Kerala Poll Campaign at Kozhikode Rally

The United Democratic Front (UDF) launched its campaign for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections with a large rally at Kozhikode Beach on Wednesday, where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge delivered the keynote address and Rahul Gandhi participated virtually, accusing the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of colluding to undermine the state's interests.

Kharge, addressing thousands of supporters, described the event as a demonstration of the UDF's strength and unity. He criticized the LDF government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), for what he called a nexus with the BJP that prioritizes communal agendas over public welfare. "The nexus between CPM and BJP is now undeniable, forming what is called CJP," Kharge said, referring to the parties as the "Communist Janata Party." He alleged that the BJP had fielded weak candidates in several constituencies to indirectly support the LDF, claiming that votes for the BJP would effectively aid the incumbent front. Kharge also pointed to the LDF's handling of the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case, where several CPI(M) leaders were...