Kerala Elections 2021: Top Players and Candidates Across All Major Parties

The Kerala Assembly Elections 2021 stood out as one of the most closely watched political contests in the state's recent history, marked by high-profile candidates, intense campaigning and a rare break from the state's traditional power alternation.

With 140 constituencies at stake, the election saw three major alliances - the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) - field some of their strongest leaders and candidates.

LDF: Pinarayi Vijayan Leads From the Front

The Left Democratic Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), entered the election with incumbent Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as its central face. Contesting from Dharmadam, Vijayan anchored the campaign on governance, welfare schemes and crisis management, particularly during floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other prominent candidates included former Health Minister K. K. Shailaja from Mattannur, widely recognised for her handling of the pandemic, and Saji Cherian from Chengannur. Veena George contested from Aranmula, while leaders from allied parties such as Mathew T. Thomas (JD-S) and Thomas K. Thomas (NCP) also played key roles.

The LDF fielded candidates across all constituencies through its alliance partners, projecting continuity and stability as its main plank.

UDF: Congress-Led Alliance Banks on Veterans

The United Democratic Front, led by the Indian National Congress, relied heavily on experienced leaders to challenge the incumbent government. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy contested from his stronghold Puthuppally, while Ramesh Chennithala, the Leader of the Opposition, stood from Haripad.

K. Muraleedharan's candidature from Nemom drew particular attention as the Congress attempted to make inroads into a constituency previously won by the BJP. Young leaders like Shafi Parambil from Palakkad also emerged as key faces of the campaign.

The Indian Union Muslim League, a major UDF ally, fielded P. K. Kunhalikutty from Vengara, while Mani C. Kappan contested from Pala under a newly formed party after shifting alliances.

NDA: High-Profile Faces but Limited Gains

The National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, attempted to expand its footprint in Kerala by fielding a mix of political leaders and prominent personalities.

State BJP president K. Surendran contested from two constituencies - Manjeshwar and Konni - signalling the party's aggressive approach. One of the most notable candidates was E. Sreedharan, the technocrat known as the "Metro Man", who contested from Palakkad.

Other candidates included Sreedharan Pillai from Kazhakkoottam, C. K. Janu from Sulthan Bathery and Thushar Vellappally from Kunnathunad. Despite the high-profile line-up, the NDA struggled to translate visibility into electoral success.

A Contest of Continuity Versus Change

The 2021 election was framed as a battle between continuity and change. While the LDF emphasised governance and welfare delivery, the UDF campaigned on anti-incumbency and governance criticisms. The NDA, on the other hand, sought to position itself as an alternative force in the state.

The results marked a significant political moment in Kerala. The LDF secured a decisive victory, winning 99 seats and returning to power for a consecutive term - a rare occurrence in a state known for alternating governments.

The UDF won 41 seats, while the NDA failed to secure any, despite a vigorous campaign.