Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Oommen Chandy emerges the key figure in UDF’s poll campaign

As the State enters another Assembly election cycle, the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidates are prominently featuring former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as a central campaign icon.

This is the first Assembly election since Chandy’s death. Party leaders believe his enduring popularity and the public’s personal affection for him will be instrumental in securing votes.

“In a poster for UDF Idukki candidate Roy K. Paulose, a picture of Chandy appears with the caption ‘Oommen Chandy’s favourite.’ Similar posters have surfaced across different constituencies,” said a local Congress leader.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary Ibrahimkutty Kallar acknowledge that Chandy remains a primary icon for the UDF candidates. “Even three years after his death, people, especially in agrarian districts like Idukki, still hold deep sentiments for Chandy. To honour him, the UDF has announced a health insurance scheme in his name, offering coverage of up to ₹25 lakh per family. We are receiving a massive response to this guarantee,” says Mr. Kallar.

He says that many UDF candidates began their poll campaigns after visiting Chandy’s grave at Puthuppally in Kottayam. “Chandy mentored many leaders in Idukki, and we believe that legacy will help attract voters,” he adds.

Party sources indicate that campaigners are also encouraging voters to compare the leadership styles of Chandy and current Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “When we mention the late leader’s name at public meetings, the response is overwhelmingly positive. This comparison is gaining public attention, and we expect these sentiments to translate into votes,” says a Congress leader.