Kerala Polls 2026: Kalamassery set for tight fight as P Rajeev faces UDF challenge

Campaigning is steadily picking up pace in Kerala as the Assembly elections draw closer.

In the Kalamassery constituency of Ernakulam district, sitting MLA P. Rajeev has intensified outreach efforts, engaging directly with voters through door-to-door visits.

Rajeev, who serves as Kerala’s Industries and Law Minister in the LDF government, is aiming to consolidate his support in a constituency known for closely fought electoral contests.

Kalamassery, a major industrial hub in central Kerala, is home to several industrial estates and a rapidly growing urban population. Development and employment remain the key electoral issues here.

Also watch: Kerala polls 2026: Nemom turns into high-voltage BJP vs CPM battle 

After two consecutive victories by the Indian Union Muslim League, the LDF regained the seat in 2021 with Rajeev’s win.

A section of voters has openly backed the incumbent, citing his development record.

According to Shaji, a local resident, "A lot of development and other works have been carried out here by our Minister Rajeev. He will secure a strong victory this time as well, and with a significant margin. This seat had earlier been with the Congress (UDF) for two terms, but there are internal conflicts within the Front. Because of that, they have no chance of winning here this time..."

Jayan, local resident, "Rajeev will win this time as well. The development carried out here reflects the vision of the Left Democratic Front. Development does not mean just building a few roads or bridges. Real development means improving the lives of people – students, children, and the elderly – and ensuring their progress. In Ernakulam district, the Kalamassery constituency has seen such development. For example, the 'Ammayum Kunjum' ward with 115 beds has been constructed. A cancer centre worth Rs 450 crore has also been established here. Across the constituency, bridges and drainage works have been completed, and there has been no waterlogging in the last five years."

Manoj, local resident: "Comprehensive development has taken place in the Kalamassery constituency. Rajeev has been accessible to everyone – farmers, agriculturists, and all other sections of society. Because of that, we strongly believe people will stand with him.  Rajeev will win here, with strong support and a large margin."

Rajeev’s personal residence is located within the constituency, and his accessibility and visibility have contributed to his public image.

Geeta Kalamassery, local resident, "Rajeev sir is my neighbour. He has built a house here and lives with his family. Even before he became a minister, he had done many good things. After becoming a minister as well, he has continued to do good work, such as building houses for the poor and constructing roads. He has been doing many such positive initiatives, which is why we know him well.

There has been a lot of development now. After Rajeev sir became the minister, many places in Kalamassery have seen improved roads and other developments. He has also been doing many good things for the people and working for their betterment.”

However, not all voters are convinced that the contest will be one-sided. Some believe Rajeev will have to prove his performance, especially in the industrial sector.

Jayan, an auto driver, says, "Last time Rajeev won mainly because of dissatisfaction within the Congress and the UDF. But if Rajeev has to win this time, it should be based on his work and performance alone. He is the Industries Minister, and Kalamassery is an industrial area. People will evaluate what has been done here for the industrial sector and whether the necessary steps have been taken for its development and employment. If there are conditions that help start new industries and create opportunities, people will assess all that."

Rajeev, however, appears confident of his track record. He points to his tenure as Industries Minister and highlights efforts to strengthen Kerala’s industrial growth.

P Rajeev, Industries and Law minister and LDF candidate for Kalamassery says, "I had been elected by the voters of Kalamassery in the last elections. Only because of that could I become the Minister for Industries and Law of the state of Kerala – then I could transform the industrial sector as per the policies and programmes of the Left Democratic Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister, as a best destinations for investment in the country. Kerala had been ranked number one in the Ease of Doing Business, that is, the Ease of Business Reform Action Plan. Consistently, we could maintain that position in the last ranking also. And in this constituency, I have proposed a term, that is 'Oppam', that is, always with the people, covering all areas. I have tried my best to be the representative of the people.”

The UDF has fielded Abdul Gafoor of the Indian Union Muslim League against Rajeev, and he is confident of reclaiming the seat.

Gafoor says there is growing demand for change after a decade of LDF rule.

V E Abdul Gafoor, UDF candidate says, "We are very confident, as people of Kerala are fed up with last 10 years of LDF rule, and people of Kerala need a change and they are expecting a change. Last municipal panchayat elections also we saw that trend, and that trend is going to be repeated in the Assembly elections also. Last year our opposition leader conducted a Puthuyuga yatra (Yatra for a new era) and after that there is a very good trend for UDF in Kerala.."

UDF supporters argue that the previous defeat was a narrow loss and believe the party will reclaim its stronghold.

Paul, UDF Supporter says, “Kalamassery constituency has already prepared for a change. In the minds of the people of Kalamassery, the development and welfare activities carried out by V.K. Ibrahim Kunju from 2011 to 2016 are still vividly remembered. After that, there has not been any such development or efficiency. So, we are hoping that that golden period will return.”

Rasheed, UDF Supporter says, “Kalamassery is a stronghold of the UDF. Last time, it was a seat that slipped away due to a small margin. Now, Gafoor, the son of Ibrahim Kunju, is in the fray. The programs he is conducting have strong public acceptance, and because of that, this will undoubtedly remain a UDF stronghold. When the ninth arrives, the UDF will secure a massive victory here.

With both fronts expressing confidence, Kalamassery is shaping up to be a closely watched contest in central Kerala’s industrial belt.

Polling for all 140 seats in the Kerala Assembly will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.