Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 – At 6 PM on Tuesday, the final day of campaigning for the April 9 Kerala Assembly elections came to a close, bringing to an end more than three weeks of intense, high-stakes campaigning. The state was left buzzing with anticipation and political activity.
The finale was truly spectacular. Across Kerala, members of the LDF, UDF, and NDA, along with their candidates, took to the streets in a dazzling display of strength.
This was a moment when all the candidates were optimistic about winning.
Road shows, drum beats, colorful processions, and enthusiastic supporters transformed towns and villages into celebration zones.
This was a unique aspect of Kerala's electoral culture, the final burst of energy on the day before the election.
For many, it felt more like the closing act of a political Broadway show than the end of campaigning.
Wednesday now marks the mandatory "silent campaign" period, when the noise of loudspeakers gives way to quiet and reflection.
Leaders are legally bound to return to their respective constituencies, preparing their final strategies before the election day.
Then comes Thursday, the day of the election. Over 27.1 million voters will decide who will govern the state, when they press the button on the EVM.
At the heart of the contest is Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is seeking a historic third consecutive term, an achievement unprecedented in Kerala's fiercely competitive political landscape.
The LDF is banking on continuity and its development narrative to achieve this.
The Congress-led UDF, however, exudes confidence.
Its star campaigner, Priyanka Gandhi, campaigning in her Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, asserted that the alliance would win "hands down" and form the next government, riding on what it sees as strong anti-incumbency sentiments and emotive issues.
Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA is aiming for a breakthrough.
State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has expressed absolute confidence that the party will not only open its account in the 140-member Kerala Assembly after drawing a blank in 2021, but also win multiple seats, positioning itself as a decisive player in the state's politics.
The campaign, marked by fierce rhetoric, high-profile road shows, and even sharp exchanges between leaders like Revanth Reddy and Vijayan, has only added to the charged atmosphere.
Heavy security has been deployed statewide to ensure that the celebratory atmosphere does not turn into conflict.
In several constituencies, rival fronts concluded their campaigns at common venues, underscoring both the intensity and the democratic spirit of the contest.
Now, as the noise fades and the state pauses for breath, Kerala stands at the cusp of decision.
The claims are many, the confidence high, but in the end, it is the voter who will have the final say.