As Kerala gears up for its 2026 Legislative Assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar made headlines with a youth-centric event in Kochi. During his ongoing state review, he visited Goshree Bridge on Friday, leading young voters in the ‘Voters’ Pledge’ and officially launching the ‘Gen-Z Anthem’. The move is geared towards enhancing democratic engagement among the youth.
ECI reports detail Kumar’s hands-on approach: pledge-taking, a group walk on the bridge, and discussions on voter drives. This launch injects fresh energy into campaigns targeting Gen-Z.
Arriving Thursday with Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, the team wasted no time. They toured Durbar Hall Ground, evaluating infrastructure and strategizing with district officers.
Further engagements with party reps and officials are lined up for March 6 and 7, focusing on poll logistics and compliance.
Kumar, who served as Ernakulam DC from June 2001 to July 2004, shared fond memories upon return. The 1988-batch Kerala cadre IAS officer stated, ‘Twenty-two years later, I’m thrilled to reconnect with Ernakulam as CEC.’
The 140-seat assembly’s term concludes in May, setting the stage for a fierce contest. Incumbent CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s LDF will confront UDF and NDA alliances. Such innovative voter outreach promises to invigorate the electoral process.