Kerala Assembly Elections 2026:Â Voting for the Assembly elections in Kerala is taking place on Thursday, with more than 2.6 crore voters heading to polling booths. These voters will decide the fate of 883 candidates contesting across 140 constituencies for the 140 member Legislative Assembly.
The election is being seen as a high stakes battle between three major alliances the ruling Left Democratic Front, the Congress led United Democratic Front, and the BJP led National Democratic Alliance.
Kerala Polling Date Time and Election Phase Details
Polling in Kerala is being conducted in a single phase starting from 7 AM and will continue throughout the day. The current Assembly’s term is set to end on May 23, making this election crucial for deciding the next government. With a large electorate, over 2.6 crore voters will play a key role in determining the political future of the state.
What Is Open and Closed in Kerala on April 9, 2026
Due to the elections, several services and institutions are affected across the state. Educational institutions including schools and colleges, whether government, aided, or private, will remain closed on April 9. Many of these institutions have been converted into polling stations, leading to a complete shutdown in several areas. Some regions may experience partial or localised closures depending on arrangements.
Puducherry Observes Holiday Due to Assembly Elections
The Union Territory of Puducherry, where elections are also being held for a 30 member Assembly, is observing a complete holiday. Apart from schools and colleges, offices, businesses, and other establishments are also shut in many areas, effectively making it a public holiday.
Are Banks Open in Kerala on April 9 2026
Banks in Kerala will remain closed on Thursday due to the Assembly elections, as per the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India. However, banking services in other parts of the country are expected to function normally. Digital banking services will continue to operate without interruption.
Bank Holidays in April 2026 Full List of Key Dates
Several important holidays fall in April across different states
- April 14 includes Ambedkar Jayanti, Bihu, and Tamil New Year
- April 15 marks Bengali New Year, Bohag Bihu, and Himachal Day
- April 16 continues Bohag Bihu celebrations
- April 20 includes Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya
- April 21 is observed as Garia Puja
These holidays vary by state and may not be applicable nationwide.
Kerala Election 2026 Security and Polling Arrangements
According to the Election Commission of India, extensive arrangements have been made to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar stated, “As part of the arrangements for Kerala Assembly elections, we have the total electorate of 2.71 crores, and the service voters are 53,984… We will be counting the votes in 140 strong rooms and 43 locations. We have 1.46 lakh polling personnel who have been trained and will be dispatched to all the polling stations… We have FIRs against 180 people for election-related activities, and more than 1,200 police teams are actively working in the field… We are ensuring that all the new initiatives by the Election Commission are implemented properly,”
He added that around 1.46 lakh trained polling personnel have been deployed across the state, while more than 1,200 police teams are actively working to maintain law and order. FIRs have also been registered against 180 individuals for election related violations.
Kerala Elections 2026 High Stakes Political Battle
The Kerala Assembly elections are crucial as they will decide the next government in the state. With major alliances competing strongly and large voter participation expected, the outcome is likely to have significant political impact.
