PolityGS-IGS-II· 1 min read
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 and Exit Polls
Why in news?
Exit polls for the Kerala Assembly elections, held recently, were released. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4th. A state minister expressed confidence in the ruling LDF's return to power, dismissing exit poll predictions.
Key points
- Exit polls projected a return of the Congress-led UDF in Kerala.
- Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas expressed confidence in the LDF's victory, citing past inaccuracies in exit polls.
- The counting of votes for Kerala and four other states (West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam) is scheduled for May 4, 2026.
- The Beypore constituency saw a notable political contest with a former MLA vowing to shave his head if defeated.
Background & context
Kerala has a history of alternating between LDF and UDF governments. Assembly elections determine the state government for a five-year term. Exit polls are surveys conducted immediately after voting concludes.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Elections were held in five states: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and Assam.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (Electoral behavior); GS Paper 2: Governance, Legislature (Electoral process, Campaigning, Election Commission of India).