UDF releases manifesto; Free travel for women, pension hike and more
Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has unveiled its manifesto for the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, outlining a wide range of welfare-focused promises, economic measures, and social reforms.
The manifesto was released at a function held in Kochi at 10:00 am by Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy, placing strong emphasis on the “guarantees” earlier announced by Rahul Gandhi.
Key highlights of UDF Manifesto
The UDF has prioritised social welfare, promising to make social security pensions a legal right. The coalition has also pledged to increase welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month.
A major political promise is the introduction of a special law to protect traditions at Sabarimala, an issue that has remained central to Kerala’s political discourse.
Welfare and social schemes
The manifesto proposes:
- Expansion of the Indira Canteen scheme across the state.
- Free travel for women in KSRTC buses.
- Monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 for college students.
- Free healthcare insurance cover up to ₹25 lakh under the “Oommen Chandy Health Insurance” scheme.
Additionally, a dedicated department for senior citizens’ welfare will be established.
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Employment and youth support
In a bid to boost entrepreneurship, the UDF has promised interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for young people to start businesses. It also aims to strengthen campus safety by launching a special anti-ragging initiative in memory of Siddharth, a student who died following a ragging incident at Pookode campus.
Agriculture and labour measures
Focusing on the agrarian sector, the UDF has pledged to raise the support price of rubber to ₹300 per kg. It has also announced a hike in daily wages for ASHA workers to ₹700.
Governance and institutional reforms
The coalition has promised steps to make the Devaswom Boards corruption-free. It also plans to introduce new departments dedicated to peace and tolerance, signalling a governance model centred on social harmony.