Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is gearing up for a crucial electoral season, with the Assembly elections likely to be held after the Vishu festival in April. The formal announcement is expected in the second week of March, as a delegation from the Election Commission of India is scheduled to visit the state on March 5 to assess poll preparedness. The team will be headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhvinder Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Sources indicate that the official notification may be issued around March 12.
Polling is expected in the latter half of April, most likely in a single phase, similar to the previous Assembly elections held on April 6, with counting conducted on May 2. Although there were initial discussions about adopting a multi-phase format — as was done during the local body elections — the current plan reportedly favors a single-phase process. Adding to the political momentum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kerala on March 6 as part of the BJP’s campaign efforts. During his visit, the NDA’s election manifesto is likely to be unveiled, alongside meetings with community leaders and the inauguration of key railway development projects. Political observers believe the Election Commission’s announcement may follow soon after the Prime Minister’s visit, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in the state.
