Keralam Assembly Polls: LDF Unveils Manifesto with Welfare, Jobs Push
CM Vijayan said the alliance aims to transform Kerala into a developed state with major improvements in agriculture, industry, education and healthcare
Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) candidate from Dharmadam, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Thursday released the Left Democratic Front (LDF) manifesto for the State Assembly elections, outlining a vision to complete Nava Kerala (New Kerala).
The CPI(M)-led LDF has promised to increase welfare pensions from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, eradicate absolute poverty, and ensure 50 per cent job participation for women.
Addressing the media, Vijayan said the alliance aims to transform Kerala into a developed state with major improvements in agriculture, industry, education and healthcare. He also criticised the Centre for its “neglect” of the state.
“The past 10 years have rebuilt the self-confidence of our society. This manifesto reflects our past achievements and future promises. The LDF has a track record of fulfilling commitments, and we are determined to implement every item listed,” Vijayan said.
He added that the manifesto serves as a blueprint for comprehensive development, focusing on employment generation, youth opportunities and improving living standards.
The LDF also promised to integrate government schemes at the district level to ensure better care for bedridden patients and improved quality of life for the elderly. All pensions are proposed to be raised to ₹3,000 per month.
A new ‘Mission 100000’ scheme aims to upgrade one lakh small and medium enterprises into businesses with an average turnover of ₹1 crore, with government support.
The alliance pledged to increase women’s participation in the workforce to 50 per cent and promote rural economic development benefiting 20 lakh housewives. Ensuring profitability of KSRTC and a power-cut-free Kerala are also among the key promises.
The LDF said it would counter any move to abolish the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and ensure its continuation. It also proposed amendments to fast-track approvals for large infrastructure projects under a single-window mechanism led by the Chief Minister.
Infrastructure plans include developing an Outer Area Corridor centred on Vizhinjam port and implementing the Vizhinjam Industrial Township Project with proper land-use planning.
The manifesto also promises land titles for residents in hilly, coastal and remote areas within the legal framework, along with the creation of an Epidemic Forecasting System and a national epidemic intelligence system.
Polling for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. The current assembly’s tenure ends on May 23.
The CPI(M)-led LDF, in power for nearly a decade, is seeking to retain control of the 140-member assembly against the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).