UDF releases manifesto for Kerala Assembly polls, promises free bus travel for women

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on Thursday released its manifesto for the April 9 Assembly elections in Kerala, outlining a welfare-heavy agenda aimed at women, youth, and small businesses.

The manifesto comes amid a high-stakes electoral contest between the UDF, led by the Indian National Congress, and the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) headed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). With rising concerns over unemployment, cost of living, and welfare delivery, both fronts have intensified their outreach ahead of polling.



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Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader V D Satheesan said the manifesto focuses on “inclusive growth and social security,” targeting key voter groups such as women, students, farmers, and micro-entrepreneurs.

Kerala Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Kerala on 9 April 2026 to elect 140 members of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The votes will be counted and the results will be declared on 4 May 2026.

Key promises in the UDF manifesto:

•Free bus travel for women on all Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses

•Welfare pension hike to ₹3,000 per month

•Monthly assistance of ₹1,000 for college-going girl students

•₹25 lakh health insurance cover for every family in the state

•Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for small businesses and entrepreneurs

•Financial assistance for MSMEs with turnover up to ₹100 crore

•Revision of wages for scheme workers, including ASHA and Anganwadi staff

•Development of the aviation sector to boost connectivity and tourism

•Establishment of a tribal university in Wayanad

•Additional focus on job creation, youth skill development, and startup support

The tenure of Kerala Legislative Assembly is scheduled to end on 23 May 2026.


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The previous assembly elections were held in April 2021. After the election, the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front formed the state government again after winning 99 out of 140 seats in the assembly, with Pinarayi Vijayan sworn in as the Chief Minister.


With inputs from PTI