The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on Wednesday released its manifesto for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections 2026, outlining a series of welfare measures, infrastructure projects, and sectoral reforms. The manifesto places significant emphasis on the “Indira Guarantees”, a set of welfare assurances focused on income support, social security, and essential services.
The manifesto highlights five key “Indira Guarantees”, including ₹25 lakh free comprehensive health insurance coverage, free bus travel for women, a hike in welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month, interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for aspiring young entrepreneurs, and a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for college-going girl students.
A key announcement in the manifesto is a proposed monthly financial assistance of ₹6,000 under the NYAY scheme for economically weaker families. It also promises enhanced financial assistance schemes, including an increase in monthly pensions and direct cash support for economically weaker sections.
In the healthcare sector, the manifesto proposes strengthening public health infrastructure through upgrades to government hospitals and the expansion of treatment facilities. It also includes commitments to enhance health insurance coverage and ensure better availability of medicines through public healthcare systems.
The UDF has also outlined plans to improve higher education infrastructure, expand research facilities, and introduce new academic programmes aligned with emerging sectors. The manifesto highlights skill development initiatives aimed at improving employment opportunities for youth.
The alliance has proposed increased financial assistance for farmers, along with improved crop insurance schemes and steps to ensure better price realisation for agricultural produce. It also mentions measures to address challenges related to farm income and market access.
The manifesto includes proposals to support small and medium enterprises, encourage entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities. It outlines broader economic measures aimed at boosting growth and addressing unemployment.
Five Dream Projects
The UDF has also announced “five dream projects” aimed at long-term development in Kerala. These include a high-speed rail corridor to improve statewide connectivity, the expansion of the Vizhinjam International Seaport as a global transshipment hub, the creation of a knowledge and innovation hub to boost research and employment, a comprehensive upgrade of healthcare infrastructure across districts, and an integrated urban development programme focused on modernising cities, improving waste management, and enhancing public infrastructure.
