The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
Keralam To Vote On April 9: LDF Seeks Historic Run, UDF Targets Return To Power As BJP Looks To Expand
Keralam To Vote On April 9: LDF Seeks Historic Run, UDF Targets Return To Power As BJP Looks To Expand
The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for the 2026 assembly polls in Keralam, setting the stage for the long-standing rivalry between the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), with the BJP attempting to expand its footprint in a state where it has struggled to gain legislative representation.
Keralam will vote on April 9 in a single phase, with the results to be announced on May 4.
Follow Election Dates 2026 Announcement LIVE Updates Here
For the ruling LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the election will determine whether it can retain power for a second consecutive term after breaking Keralam’s decades-old pattern of alternating governments between the LDF and UDF. Vijayan’s leadership and governance record will effectively be on the ballot.
For the UDF, the stakes are equally high. Leader of the opposition VD Satheesan and senior Congress leaders are attempting to capitalise on anti-incumbency and internal tensions within the ruling coalition to return the alliance to power.
The BJP and its NDA partners have been attempting to expand their footprint in Keralam’s bipolar political system. The BJP plans to field high-profile leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V Muraleedharan, and George Kurian as candidates in key constituencies to boost its electoral prospects. While the party has historically struggled to convert vote share into seats, surveys suggest it may win between one and ten seats, reflecting growing acceptance among some voters.
ALSO READ | Bengal Polls On April 23, 29: Stage Set For TMC Versus BJP Bipolar Contest Amid SIR Heat
In the 2021 assembly election, the LDF secured a historic victory. The LDF won 99 seats, while the UDF secured 41 seats. The NDA, however, was unable to open its account.
The election was notable because it broke Keralam’s long-standing pattern of alternating governments every five years, allowing Vijayan to become the first chief minister in decades to be re-elected after completing a full term. The election saw a voter turnout of about 76 per cent, reflecting Keralam’s politically active electorate.
ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu To Vote On April 23: DMK Vs AIADMK Again, But Can ‘Wild Card’ Vijay’s TVK Add New Twist?
Political analysts say the campaign is likely to revolve around several major issues.
Welfare vs Fiscal Sustainability: Keralam’s extensive welfare programmes—pensions, subsidised food and social schemes—remain central to political debates. The LDF highlights welfare delivery, while the opposition questions the state’s fiscal health.
Economic Growth and Employment: Despite high literacy and social indicators, youth unemployment and outward migration remain persistent concerns.
Governance and Corruption Allegations: Opposition parties have attempted to build narratives around governance failures and corruption allegations against the government.
Centre-State Relations: Political tensions between the Keralam government and the Union government—-over financial allocations and federal powers—have become a key political issue.
Social Representation and Marginalised Communities: Groups representing tribal and marginalised communities have criticised mainstream parties and are even considering independent candidates to highlight representation issues.
ALSO READ | Assam Polls On April 9: Will CAA Shape Himanta Sarma’s Path To A Second Term Amid Congress Pushback?
Political analysts believe the 2026 contest could be unusually competitive.
Surveys indicate that while individual MLAs from both alliances remain popular, public perceptions of ministers and governments are more mixed, creating uncertainty for incumbents.
The LDF hopes to break Keralam’s historic alternation cycle by securing a third straight term, while the UDF sees the election as critical to regaining political relevance after being out of power for 10 years.
Some observers also note that the BJP’s incremental growth could alter the electoral arithmetic by splitting votes in closely contested constituencies.
The 2026 election is shaping up as a three-cornered contest—though the state’s politics still largely revolves around the LDF–UDF rivalry.
The ruling Left coalition hopes to extend its historic hold on power, while the Congress-led opposition is betting on anti-incumbency and welfare promises to reclaim the state. Meanwhile, the BJP’s push to become a credible third force could complicate electoral calculations.
Source: News18
Related Posts: Centre set to approve proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam Kerala Lottery Result 24-10-2025 Suvarna Keralam SK-24 Lucky Draw Shortly Kerala Lottery Result 23-01-2026 Suvarna Keralam SK-37 Lucky Draw SHORTLY Kerala Lottery Result 21-11-2025 Suvarna Keralam SK-28 Lucky Draw Shortly [LIVE] Kerala Lottery Result Today 19-09-2025 Suvarna Keralam SK-19 Lucky Draw Kerala Lottery Result 16-01-2026 Suvarna Keralam SK-36 Lucky Draw SHORTLY Kerala Lottery Result 06-02-2026 Suvarna Keralam SK-39 Lucky Draw OUT Kerala Lottery Result 09-01-2026 Suvarna Keralam SK-35 Lucky Draw SHORTLY Kerala to be renamed Keralam PM now indulging in vote revdi along with vote chori
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed "indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians". Gavaskar's comments are the most high-profile criticism of Sunrisers' deal for Abrar at last week's Hundred auction
5 hours ago
The US artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic is looking to hire a chemical weapons and high-yield explosives expert to try to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its software. In other words, it fears that its AI tools might tell someone how to make chemical or radioactive weapons
5 hours ago
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
5 hours ago
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
5 hours ago
Kerala Congress (M), BDJS announce names of 12 candidates eachKerala Congress (M) and BDJS announced candidates for the upcoming assembly polls, including KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani from Pala and 12 others from BDJS. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:36 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
5 hours ago
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
5 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
5 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
5 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
5 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
5 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 hours ago
![London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/chelsea-fined-and-faces-supended-transfer-ban-by-premier-league.webp?height=520)
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
5 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
5 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
5 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
5 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
5 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
5 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
5 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
5 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
5 hours ago
