Draft:Analysis of 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election

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*'''Minority Consolidation:''' There was a [[Islam in Kerala|Muslim]] and [[Christianity in Kerala|Christian]] consolidation in favour of the IUML and INC in [[Malappuram district|Malappuram]] and [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]] districts. Out of the 30 constituencies from both districts, LDF managed to win only 3. The UDF succeeded in rallying various religious and social organisations around them. These effects were also felt in neighbouring districts like [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]], [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]], [[Idukki district|Idukki]], [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]] and [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta]] as well. Although the vote base was scattered, the consolidation was a reflection of the minority sentiment from the [[2025 Kerala local elections|2025]] Kerala local elections.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-16 |title=Analysts peg minority vote, anti-incumbency as key UDF win factors in Kerala local body polls |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/analysts-peg-minority-vote-anti-incumbency-as-key-udf-win-factors-in-kerala-local-body-polls-101765829434947.html |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> *'''Minority Consolidation:''' There was a [[Islam in Kerala|Muslim]] and [[Christianity in Kerala|Christian]] consolidation in favour of the IUML and INC in [[Malappuram district|Malappuram]] and [[Ernakulam district|Ernakulam]] districts. Out of the 30 constituencies from both districts, LDF managed to win only 3. The UDF succeeded in rallying various religious and social organisations around them. These effects were also felt in neighbouring districts like [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]], [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]], [[Idukki district|Idukki]], [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]] and [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta]] as well. Although the vote base was scattered, the consolidation was a reflection of the minority sentiment from the [[2025 Kerala local elections|2025]] Kerala local elections.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-16 |title=Analysts peg minority vote, anti-incumbency as key UDF win factors in Kerala local body polls |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/analysts-peg-minority-vote-anti-incumbency-as-key-udf-win-factors-in-kerala-local-body-polls-101765829434947.html |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> *'''Anti-Incumbency Narrative:''' For the past decade, there had been a constant undeclared feud between the LDF government and certain mainstream media houses of the State.<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Haritha |date=2023-12-27 |title=Unravelling the friction between CPIM and Kerala’s major media houses |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/12/27/unravelling-the-friction-between-cpim-and-keralas-major-media-houses |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=Newslaundry |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=മാധ്യമ പ്രവർത്തകരോട് മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി: ‘കടക്ക് പുറത്ത് ’ |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2017/07/31/CM-Shouts-at-media.html |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=ManoramaOnline}}</ref>The press and the government frequently traded barbs accusing each other, with the media expressing unconditional apologies<ref>{{Cite web |title=ആ ചടങ്ങില്‍ കെ. കവിത പങ്കെടുത്തിട്ടില്ല; എം.ബി. രാജേഷിനെതിരായ തെറ്റായ വാര്‍ത്തയില്‍ ഖേദം പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ച് മനോരമ |url=https://www.doolnews.com/manorama-regrets-the-false-news-against-mb-rajesh-61-127.html |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=DoolNews |language=en}}</ref> at rare instances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ശിവദാസ് |first=ശിവദർശന |date=2025-05-26 |title=CPIM {{!}} വീണ്ടും ഖേദപ്രകടനവുമായി മലയാള മനോരമ |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/cpim-malayala-manorama-expresses-regret-again-sd1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> A self proclaimed [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=കായംകുളത്ത് ജയിച്ചത് അരിതയെന്ന് മനോരമ വാർത്ത; കയ്യോടെ പൊക്കി പ്രതിഭ, ഒടുവില്‍ ഖേദപ്രകടനം |url=https://malayalam.oneindia.com/news/kerala/netizens-moke-on-manorama-news-that-aritha-babu-has-won-the-kayamkulam-election-323137.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ഡെസ്ക് |first=വെബ് |date=2016-07-27 |title=ഏലസ്സെന്ന് ചാനലുകളും സമൂഹ മാധ്യമങ്ങളും; ഗ്ലൂക്കോ മോണിറ്ററാണെന്ന് കോടിയേരിയും ഡോക്ടറും {{!}} Madhyamam |url=https://www.madhyamam.com/kerala/2016/jul/27/211462 |access-date=2026-04-24 |website=www.madhyamam.com |language=ml}}</ref> stance by [[Malayala Manorama]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radhakrishnan |first=M. G. |date=2015-12-16 |title=The Legend of Maathukuttychaayan |url=https://openthemagazine.com/lounge/books/the-legend-of-maathukuttychaayan |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Open Magazine |language=en}}</ref> was evident in the days leading to the election. Articles echoing a pro-congress<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sibina |date=2026-02-10 |title=മനോരമയുടെ സര്‍വേയില്‍ കേരളത്തിന്‍റെ മനസ്സ് സതീശനൊപ്പം; തെരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് അടുക്കുന്തോറും സതീശനുള്ള പിന്തുണ 100 % കവിയാതെ നോക്കണേ മനോരമേ… |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/manorama-news-survey-predicts-kerala-will-elect-v.-d.-satheesan |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> stand were published by the media corporation, with certain ones backfiring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=മധു |first=ആകാശ് |date=2026-01-30 |title=Manorama Poll {{!}} അടിപതറി മനോരമ; രണ്ട് പോളുകൾ ഇട്ടു രണ്ടിലും ജനങ്ങൾ വിധിയെഴുതിയത് മികച്ച ബജറ്റെന്ന് |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/kerala/manorama-poll-issue-two-polls-were-conducted-and-people-voted-for-the-best-budget-in-both-akm1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ദാമോദരൻ |first=ദൃശ്യ |date=2026-02-17 |title=Malayala Manorama poll{{!}} പോൾ മുക്കാൻ വയ്യ, 'വികസനം' ഓപ്ഷൻ തന്നെ മുക്കി മനോരമ; ആർക്കും സംശയമൊന്നും ഇല്ലല്ലോ അല്ലേ! |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/kerala/malayala-manorama-poll-controversy-development-option-missing-ldf-dd1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> These criticisms enhanced the anti-incumbency narrative<ref>{{Cite web |last=സുരേന്ദ്രൻ |first=അഭിജ ജെ |date=2026-04-02 |title=Malayala Manorama Election Analysis{{!}}അജണ്ട നിശ്ചയിച്ചുള്ള ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ മാത്രം! മലയാള മനോരമയുടെ തെരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് വിശകലന ചർച്ച കോമഡി പീസോ? |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/criticism-against-malayala-manorama-election-analysis-bias-and-agenda-driven-narrative-ab1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> alleged by the UDF, drifting away a section of uncommitted voters, who exercise franchise based on issues rather than political affiliation. *'''Anti-Incumbency Narrative:''' For the past decade, there had been a constant undeclared feud between the LDF government and certain mainstream media houses of the State.<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Haritha |date=2023-12-27 |title=Unravelling the friction between CPIM and Kerala’s major media houses |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/12/27/unravelling-the-friction-between-cpim-and-keralas-major-media-houses |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=Newslaundry |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=മാധ്യമ പ്രവർത്തകരോട് മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി: ‘കടക്ക് പുറത്ത് ’ |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2017/07/31/CM-Shouts-at-media.html |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=ManoramaOnline}}</ref>The press and the government frequently traded barbs accusing each other, with the media expressing unconditional apologies<ref>{{Cite web |title=ആ ചടങ്ങില്‍ കെ. കവിത പങ്കെടുത്തിട്ടില്ല; എം.ബി. രാജേഷിനെതിരായ തെറ്റായ വാര്‍ത്തയില്‍ ഖേദം പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ച് മനോരമ |url=https://www.doolnews.com/manorama-regrets-the-false-news-against-mb-rajesh-61-127.html |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=DoolNews |language=en}}</ref> at rare instances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ശിവദാസ് |first=ശിവദർശന |date=2025-05-26 |title=CPIM {{!}} വീണ്ടും ഖേദപ്രകടനവുമായി മലയാള മനോരമ |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/cpim-malayala-manorama-expresses-regret-again-sd1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> A self proclaimed [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=കായംകുളത്ത് ജയിച്ചത് അരിതയെന്ന് മനോരമ വാർത്ത; കയ്യോടെ പൊക്കി പ്രതിഭ, ഒടുവില്‍ ഖേദപ്രകടനം |url=https://malayalam.oneindia.com/news/kerala/netizens-moke-on-manorama-news-that-aritha-babu-has-won-the-kayamkulam-election-323137.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ഡെസ്ക് |first=വെബ് |date=2016-07-27 |title=ഏലസ്സെന്ന് ചാനലുകളും സമൂഹ മാധ്യമങ്ങളും; ഗ്ലൂക്കോ മോണിറ്ററാണെന്ന് കോടിയേരിയും ഡോക്ടറും {{!}} Madhyamam |url=https://www.madhyamam.com/kerala/2016/jul/27/211462 |access-date=2026-04-24 |website=www.madhyamam.com |language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=മന്ത്രിമാരുടെ ഓഫിസുകളെല്ലാം ‘ഒഴിയൽ മൂഡിൽ’; സ്റ്റാഫുകൾ സ്വകാര്യ വസ്തുക്കളടക്കം മാറ്റിത്തുടങ്ങി |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/thiruvananthapuram/2026/04/25/kerala-ministerial-offices-in-transition-ahead-of-election-results.html |access-date=2026-04-25 |website=@manoramaonline}}</ref> stance by [[Malayala Manorama]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radhakrishnan |first=M. G. |date=2015-12-16 |title=The Legend of Maathukuttychaayan |url=https://openthemagazine.com/lounge/books/the-legend-of-maathukuttychaayan |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Open Magazine |language=en}}</ref> was evident in the days leading to the election. Articles echoing a pro-congress<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sibina |date=2026-02-10 |title=മനോരമയുടെ സര്‍വേയില്‍ കേരളത്തിന്‍റെ മനസ്സ് സതീശനൊപ്പം; തെരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് അടുക്കുന്തോറും സതീശനുള്ള പിന്തുണ 100 % കവിയാതെ നോക്കണേ മനോരമേ… |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/manorama-news-survey-predicts-kerala-will-elect-v.-d.-satheesan |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> stand were published by the media corporation, with certain ones backfiring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=മധു |first=ആകാശ് |date=2026-01-30 |title=Manorama Poll {{!}} അടിപതറി മനോരമ; രണ്ട് പോളുകൾ ഇട്ടു രണ്ടിലും ജനങ്ങൾ വിധിയെഴുതിയത് മികച്ച ബജറ്റെന്ന് |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/kerala/manorama-poll-issue-two-polls-were-conducted-and-people-voted-for-the-best-budget-in-both-akm1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ദാമോദരൻ |first=ദൃശ്യ |date=2026-02-17 |title=Malayala Manorama poll{{!}} പോൾ മുക്കാൻ വയ്യ, 'വികസനം' ഓപ്ഷൻ തന്നെ മുക്കി മനോരമ; ആർക്കും സംശയമൊന്നും ഇല്ലല്ലോ അല്ലേ! |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/kerala/malayala-manorama-poll-controversy-development-option-missing-ldf-dd1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> These criticisms enhanced the anti-incumbency narrative<ref>{{Cite web |last=സുരേന്ദ്രൻ |first=അഭിജ ജെ |date=2026-04-02 |title=Malayala Manorama Election Analysis{{!}}അജണ്ട നിശ്ചയിച്ചുള്ള ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ മാത്രം! മലയാള മനോരമയുടെ തെരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പ് വിശകലന ചർച്ച കോമഡി പീസോ? |url=https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/criticism-against-malayala-manorama-election-analysis-bias-and-agenda-driven-narrative-ab1 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Kairali News {{!}} Kairali News Live |language=ml}}</ref> alleged by the UDF, drifting away a section of uncommitted voters, who exercise franchise based on issues rather than political affiliation. *'''Decline in Votes:''' Among the 14, the UDF polled a higher percentage of votes than the LDF in 8 districts. The difference in vote share between the two fronts was. However, UDF got a lead of in Malappuram district alone. The [[Nair Service Society|NSS]] which claimed it was equidistant<ref>{{Cite web |title=NSS to maintain ''equidistance'' policy ahead of assembly polls G Sukumaran Nair |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2026/01/02/nss-to-maintain-equidistance-policy-ahead-of-assembly-polls-g-sukumaran-nair.html |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> from both fronts actually worked against the LDF.<ref>{{Cite web|title=കൊട്ടാരക്കരയില്‍ കെ എന്‍ ബാലഗോപാലിനെ കൈവിട്ട് എന്‍എസ്എസ്; പിന്തുണ അയിഷ പോറ്റിക്ക്, ശബ്ദരേഖ പുറത്ത് |url=https://www.reporterlive.com/topnews/kerala/2026/04/12/nss-withdraws-support-from-k-n-balagopal-in-kottarakkara |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=ReporterNews |language=ml}}</ref> Despite this, the organisation was unable to persuade members of this community as a whole. On the contrary the [[Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam|SNDP]] openly supported the LDF, with Vellappally Natesan publically endorsing Pinarayi Vijayan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-04-09 |title=Vellappally Natesan says he wants Pinarayi Vijayan to come to power again |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/vellappally-natesan-says-he-wants-pinarayi-vijayan-to-come-to-power-again/articleshow/130147042.cms |access-date=2026-04-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> But, certain [[Ezhava]] masses refused to be swayed and instead backed the UDF and the NDA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Biju E. |date=2025-12-15 |title=Ezhava voters knock back community leaders’ diktats |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/15/ezhava-voters-knock-back-community-leaders-diktats |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The antipathy of the [[Catholic Church in India|Catholic Church]]<ref>{{Cite web|title='ദൈവത്തിന് മഹത്വവും മനുഷ്യർക്ക് സമാധാനവും ഇല്ലാത്ത നാടായി കേരളം'; സർക്കാരിനെതിരെ കത്തോലിക്കാ സഭ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/kerala-news/catholic-church-mouthpiece-criticises-kerala-lead-ldf-govt-ro3efh |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=Asianet News Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> towards the [[Second Vijayan ministry|government]] shifted a larger vote chunk to the UDF.<ref>{{Cite news|title=KCBC lashes out at liquor policy of LDF govt. in circular read across churches |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kcbc-lashes-out-at-liquor-policy-of-ldf-govt-in-circular-read-across-churches/article70718833.ece |access-date=2026-04-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> But, specific [[Malankara Church|non-Catholic]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hiran |first=U. |date=2026-03-22 |title=Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Voting behaviour of Christian community draws parties’ attention |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/voting-behaviour-of-christian-community-draws-parties-attention/article70772428.ece |access-date=2026-04-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> voters among the Christian population favoured LDF candidates in [[Kuttanad Assembly constituency|Kuttanad]], [[Chengannur Assembly constituency|Chengannur]], [[Thiruvalla Assembly constituency|Thiruvalla]], [[Aranmula Assembly constituency|Aranmula]] and [[Ranni Assembly constituency|Ranni]]. *'''Decline in Votes:''' Among the 14, the UDF polled a higher percentage of votes than the LDF in 8 districts. The difference in vote share between the two fronts was. However, UDF got a lead of in Malappuram district alone. The [[Nair Service Society|NSS]] which claimed it was equidistant<ref>{{Cite web |title=NSS to maintain ''equidistance'' policy ahead of assembly polls G Sukumaran Nair |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2026/01/02/nss-to-maintain-equidistance-policy-ahead-of-assembly-polls-g-sukumaran-nair.html |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> from both fronts actually worked against the LDF.<ref>{{Cite web|title=കൊട്ടാരക്കരയില്‍ കെ എന്‍ ബാലഗോപാലിനെ കൈവിട്ട് എന്‍എസ്എസ്; പിന്തുണ അയിഷ പോറ്റിക്ക്, ശബ്ദരേഖ പുറത്ത് |url=https://www.reporterlive.com/topnews/kerala/2026/04/12/nss-withdraws-support-from-k-n-balagopal-in-kottarakkara |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=ReporterNews |language=ml}}</ref> Despite this, the organisation was unable to persuade members of this community as a whole. On the contrary the [[Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam|SNDP]] openly supported the LDF, with Vellappally Natesan publically endorsing Pinarayi Vijayan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-04-09 |title=Vellappally Natesan says he wants Pinarayi Vijayan to come to power again |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/vellappally-natesan-says-he-wants-pinarayi-vijayan-to-come-to-power-again/articleshow/130147042.cms |access-date=2026-04-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> But, certain [[Ezhava]] masses refused to be swayed and instead backed the UDF and the NDA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Biju E. |date=2025-12-15 |title=Ezhava voters knock back community leaders’ diktats |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/15/ezhava-voters-knock-back-community-leaders-diktats |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The antipathy of the [[Catholic Church in India|Catholic Church]]<ref>{{Cite web|title='ദൈവത്തിന് മഹത്വവും മനുഷ്യർക്ക് സമാധാനവും ഇല്ലാത്ത നാടായി കേരളം'; സർക്കാരിനെതിരെ കത്തോലിക്കാ സഭ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/kerala-news/catholic-church-mouthpiece-criticises-kerala-lead-ldf-govt-ro3efh |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=Asianet News Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> towards the [[Second Vijayan ministry|government]] shifted a larger vote chunk to the UDF.<ref>{{Cite news|title=KCBC lashes out at liquor policy of LDF govt. in circular read across churches |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kcbc-lashes-out-at-liquor-policy-of-ldf-govt-in-circular-read-across-churches/article70718833.ece |access-date=2026-04-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> But, specific [[Malankara Church|non-Catholic]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hiran |first=U. |date=2026-03-22 |title=Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Voting behaviour of Christian community draws parties’ attention |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/voting-behaviour-of-christian-community-draws-parties-attention/article70772428.ece |access-date=2026-04-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> voters among the Christian population favoured LDF candidates in [[Kuttanad Assembly constituency|Kuttanad]], [[Chengannur Assembly constituency|Chengannur]], [[Thiruvalla Assembly constituency|Thiruvalla]], [[Aranmula Assembly constituency|Aranmula]] and [[Ranni Assembly constituency|Ranni]]. *'''Cesspool of Allegations:''' Major accusations like the [[2020 Kerala gold smuggling case|Gold smuggling case]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=2025-07-12 |title=Gold smuggling case in Kerala the ‘biggest govt.-sponsored scam’ in the country, says Amit Shah |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/gold-smuggling-case-in-kerala-the-biggest-govt-sponsored-scam-in-the-country-says-amit-shah/article69803885.ece}}</ref>the Exalogic-CMRL payment controversy<ref>{{Cite web |last=PA |first=Aneesa |date=2025-11-27 |title=Stalled in courts, a 2019 fraud case linked to Pinarayi daughter still a political flashpoint in Kerala |url=https://theprint.in/politics/stalled-in-courts-a-2019-fraud-case-linked-to-pinarayi-daughter-still-a-political-flashpoint-in-kerala/2792343/ |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[2025 Sabarimala gold row|Sabarimala gold row]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=Sabarimala: Why a popular Hindu temple in Kerala is mired in a gold theft row |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq834vle4llo |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> presented the LDF ministry in a bad light. The arrests of former CPI(M) [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] A. Padmakumar,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT arrests former TDB president A. Padmakumar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/sabarimala-gold-theft-case-sit-arrests-former-tdb-president-a-padmakumar/article70302826.ece |access-date=2026-04-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>former [[Travancore Devaswom Board]] President N. Vasu<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former Travancore Devaswom Board president N Vasu arrested in Sabarimala gold missing case |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/former-travancore-devaswom-board-president-n-vasu-arrested-in-sabarimala-gold-missing-case |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> and former board member K. P. Sankaradas<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sabarimala gold theft: Former Devaswom Board member K P Sankaradas arrested |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/01/14/sabarimala-gold-theft-shankardas-arrest.html |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=@onmanorama |language=en}}</ref> tarnished the ruling front's reputation severely.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2025-11-20 |title=Padmakumar’s arrest renders the government vulnerable to criticism from the Congress and the BJP. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/padmakumars-arrest-renders-the-government-vulnerable-to-criticism-from-the-congress-and-the-bjp/article70304200.ece |access-date=2026-04-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Allegations of sexual misconduct against [[Mukesh (actor)|M. Mukesh]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mukesh news: MLA and actor arrested by SIT in rape case, released on bail |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/mla-and-actor-mukesh-arrested-by-sit-in-rape-case-released-on-bail-3204188 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> MLA and Minister of Transport [[K. B. Ganesh Kumar]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Minister Ganesh Kumar faces fresh scandal; wife alleges infidelity, intimidation |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/kerala-minister-ganesh-kumar-faces-fresh-scandal-wife-alleges-infidelity-intimidation/ |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> along with tampering of evidence by former minister [[Antony Raju]]<ref>{{Cite news|date=2026-02-17 |title=Evidence tampering case: court rejects plea by Antony Raju |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/evidence-tampering-case-court-rejects-plea-by-antony-raju/article70643888.ece |access-date=2026-04-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> also generated a negative impression among the voters. *'''Cesspool of Allegations:''' Major accusations like the [[2020 Kerala gold smuggling case|Gold smuggling case]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=2025-07-12 |title=Gold smuggling case in Kerala the ‘biggest govt.-sponsored scam’ in the country, says Amit Shah |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/gold-smuggling-case-in-kerala-the-biggest-govt-sponsored-scam-in-the-country-says-amit-shah/article69803885.ece}}</ref>the Exalogic-CMRL payment controversy<ref>{{Cite web |last=PA |first=Aneesa |date=2025-11-27 |title=Stalled in courts, a 2019 fraud case linked to Pinarayi daughter still a political flashpoint in Kerala |url=https://theprint.in/politics/stalled-in-courts-a-2019-fraud-case-linked-to-pinarayi-daughter-still-a-political-flashpoint-in-kerala/2792343/ |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[2025 Sabarimala gold row|Sabarimala gold row]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-05 |title=Sabarimala: Why a popular Hindu temple in Kerala is mired in a gold theft row |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq834vle4llo |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> presented the LDF ministry in a bad light. The arrests of former CPI(M) [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] A. Padmakumar,<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT arrests former TDB president A. Padmakumar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/sabarimala-gold-theft-case-sit-arrests-former-tdb-president-a-padmakumar/article70302826.ece |access-date=2026-04-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>former [[Travancore Devaswom Board]] President N. Vasu<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former Travancore Devaswom Board president N Vasu arrested in Sabarimala gold missing case |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/former-travancore-devaswom-board-president-n-vasu-arrested-in-sabarimala-gold-missing-case |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> and former board member K. P. Sankaradas<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sabarimala gold theft: Former Devaswom Board member K P Sankaradas arrested |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/01/14/sabarimala-gold-theft-shankardas-arrest.html |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=@onmanorama |language=en}}</ref> tarnished the ruling front's reputation severely.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2025-11-20 |title=Padmakumar’s arrest renders the government vulnerable to criticism from the Congress and the BJP. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/padmakumars-arrest-renders-the-government-vulnerable-to-criticism-from-the-congress-and-the-bjp/article70304200.ece |access-date=2026-04-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Allegations of sexual misconduct against [[Mukesh (actor)|M. Mukesh]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mukesh news: MLA and actor arrested by SIT in rape case, released on bail |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/mla-and-actor-mukesh-arrested-by-sit-in-rape-case-released-on-bail-3204188 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> MLA and Minister of Transport [[K. B. Ganesh Kumar]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala Minister Ganesh Kumar faces fresh scandal; wife alleges infidelity, intimidation |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/kerala-minister-ganesh-kumar-faces-fresh-scandal-wife-alleges-infidelity-intimidation/ |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> along with tampering of evidence by former minister [[Antony Raju]]<ref>{{Cite news|date=2026-02-17 |title=Evidence tampering case: court rejects plea by Antony Raju |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/evidence-tampering-case-court-rejects-plea-by-antony-raju/article70643888.ece |access-date=2026-04-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> also generated a negative impression among the voters.