Congress leader K.C. Venugopal addressed a press conference on Sunday, March 22, 2026, concerning the ongoing election in Kerala. During his remarks, he alleged an existing alliance between the CPI(M) and BJP, asserting that such a collaboration would not prove successful in the state. Venugopal further suggested that the CPI(M) and LDF recognized public opposition, accusing them of a long-standing association with the BJP, and drawing a connection to the pace of central agency investigations in Kerala.
Outlining the United Democratic Front's (UDF) electoral platform, Venugopal made several key promises: he pledged free Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus travel for women should the UDF form the government, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve the lives of women in various struggling sectors. He also guaranteed an increase in the welfare pension to ₹3,000. Additionally, the Congress leader announced a clear plan for providing financial support to KSRTC and addressing the transport corporation’s operational challenges. He confirmed that a detailed manifesto, outlining specific projects and plans for Kerala, would be released in the near future. Venugopal further criticized the CPI(M) for their past dismissal of the Congress's guarantee of free bus travel for women.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/assembly-elections-kerala-tamil-nadu-west-bengal-assam-puducherry-live-updates-march-22-2026/article70771411.ece
