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Kerala Politics BJP Rise: The bipolar picture of LDF-UDF that has been prevalent in Kerala politics for decades has now started changing. BJP’s presence in the 2020 Kannur and Kozhikode civic elections gave new political signals. There is increasing inclination towards development-based issues among urban and young voters. This change can give a new direction to the 2026 assembly elections.
New Delhi: Kerala has long been appreciated all over the world for its education, social consciousness and cultural identity. But politically this state always remained a part of the rotating cycle between two big alliances, LDF and UDF. In such an environment, it seemed difficult to imagine the strong presence of a third option. This was the reason why when new political trends were seen in areas like Kannur and Kozhikode in the local body elections of 2020, it was not considered as mere local election results.
These results changed the perception that Kerala politics could remain stable and unchanged. The victory and presence of BJP for the first time in areas like Kannur and Kozhikode indicated that the political discourse in the state is now moving in a new direction. This change is now seen writing a new story in the background of the 2026 assembly elections.
Changing signals in Kannur-Kozhikode
Kannur is traditionally considered a strong base of leftist politics. Whereas in Kozhikode, the alternating victories of UDF (United Democratic Front) and LDF (Left Democratic Front) have been going on for a long time. In such areas, BJP registered a strong presence in many wards in 2020, registering an impressive performance in 1 seat in Kannur Corporation and in Kozhikode. This change was not just a change in opinions, but brought out the trends of the urban and middle class in a new way.
The change seen in Kannur and Kozhikode was not just the result of local equations.
This is how the political equation changed (Bullet Points Paragraph)
- BJP’s first victory in Kannur presented a new option in local politics.
- In the urban wards of Kozhikode, the middle class inclined towards development-based issues.
- In both the cities, BJP created an organization up to the booth level.
- The results of the local body elections decided the direction of the big elections of 2026.
- The focus on the Centre’s schemes and connectivity projects was important in creating perception in Kerala.
Kerala coming out of bipolar politics
The political identity of the state was considered almost fixed between the alternating governments of LDF-UDF. But after 2020, the voters’ focus shifted to issues like development, infrastructure, and employment. Central government schemes and highway, railway and connectivity projects inspired the youth and the working class to consider new options.
roadmap for change (numbered paragraphs)
The 2026 elections are set to be historic for many reasons:
- Organizational expansion: Entry of new faces and young leadership at the booth level.
- Dialogue in communities: expanding the scope of political dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
- Priorities of youth: New orientation in search of employment, industry and opportunities.
2020 trends vs 2026 expectations
| Area | 2020 election trend | Possible direction of 2026 |
| transgender | BJP won 1 seat | Organization and increased vote share |
| Kozhikode | Effective presence in many wards | Expanding choices among urban voters |
| state level | For the first time a third option appeared to emerge. | Possibilities of triangular contest increased |
The change seen in Kannur and Kozhikode was not just the result of local equations. This was an early sign of a political wave that is to become a major topic of state politics in 2026. Kerala’s young population, urban voters and the middle class are now moving beyond traditional boundaries and looking at new options. This is the reason why the 2026 elections may not become a competition of ‘LDF versus UDF’, but of ‘stability versus change’.
