The political landscape in Kerala for the upcoming 2026 Assembly election is notably subdued, a stark contrast to the turbulent 2021 polls. As political parties gather momentum, workers are actively procuring election merchandise in Palakkad, signaling the beginning of the campaign period. This calmer atmosphere invites reflection on the high-octane controversies that defined the previous election cycle. The previous polls were marked by a series of political bombshells and intense public debates that reshaped state politics.

What Happened?

The 2021 Kerala Assembly election was characterized by an unprecedented level of political drama and scandal. The then-incumbent Left Democratic Front (LDF) government strategically launched a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. This inquiry targeted at least five senior Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, on serious charges of rape. These allegations stemmed from a complaint filed by Sarita S. Nair, a prominent figure in the sensational solar investment fraud scam that had previously plagued the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in 2016. Ms. Nair claimed top politicians in the UDF government had demanded sexual favors in exchange for state business patronage. Although the CBI later acquitted the accused, including Oommen Chandy, the timing of the probe during the election heightened political tensions.

Adding to the volatile atmosphere, the LDF government faced significant public backlash over its decision to facilitate women activists' entry into the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. This move followed a 2019 Supreme Court ruling that allowed women of menstruating age to worship there. The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), supported by influential Hindu organizations, spearheaded a powerful and emotive 'Save Sabarimala Campaign,' which put the first Pinarayi Vijayan government on the defensive. Simultaneously, the opposition assailed the LDF with numerous corruption allegations. These included claims of selling citizens' health data, graft in the LIFE housing mission, irregularities in licensing breweries and distilleries, allegations of exploiting marine wealth, and surreptitious sand-mining in the Pampa river. While many of these accusations did not stand up in court, they provided the opposition with considerable propaganda leverage during the 2021 campaign.

However, the most explosive narrative to emerge during the 2021 hustings was the gold smuggling case. This involved the confiscation of 30 kg of contraband gold from air baggage linked to former UAE consulate staff in Thiruvananthapuram. At the heart of this controversy was Swapna Suresh, a multilingual individual who had become a significant figure in the corridors of power. Her key position at the UAE consulate and her role as a go-between for state bureaucrats and the consulate, particularly during the 2017 visit of Sultan Bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Emir of Sharjah, drew her into the public eye. The gold smuggling incident became a major political flashpoint, creating a ticking time bomb for the LDF government and dominating headlines.

Key Highlights

The 2026 Kerala Assembly election campaign is currently unfolding with a calmer tone compared to the intense 2021 polls.
The 2021 LDF government launched a CBI probe against Congress leaders, including Oommen Chandy, based on rape allegations by Sarita S. Nair.
The CBI later acquitted the accused in the Sarita S. Nair case, but the timing of the probe was politically significant.
The Sabarimala temple entry issue ignited a strong 'Save Sabarimala Campaign' led by opposition parties against the LDF government.
Numerous corruption charges, though mostly unproven in court, were leveled against the LDF government during the 2021 elections.
The 2021 gold smuggling case, involving 30 kg of contraband gold and central figure Swapna Suresh, became a major political controversy.
Swapna Suresh held a key position at the UAE consulate and served as a go-between for state officials.

Why Does This Matter?

The stark contrast between the current subdued election atmosphere and the heated 2021 campaign highlights the enduring impact of past political events on Kerala's electoral dynamics. For common people, these past scandals are not just historical footnotes; they shape public perception, trust in governance, and ultimately, voting decisions. The controversies, from allegations against top political figures to issues like the Sabarimala dispute and the gold smuggling scandal, deeply influence the narrative surrounding different political fronts. They serve as constant reminders of past governance challenges and opposition critiques, influencing how current promises and manifestos are received.

Understanding the dramatic events of 2021 is crucial because they laid the groundwork for the state's political discourse. These incidents continue to be referenced in political debates, impacting the credibility of leaders and parties. Even though some allegations did not stand up in court, the public memory of these events persists. This historical context allows citizens to critically evaluate current political rhetoric and policies, making informed choices as they prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming 2026 Assembly election. The lessons learned from the turbulent 2021 polls underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in public life.