Thiruvananthapuram: In an innovative voter awareness initiative ahead of the upcoming 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, senior administrative officers of Kerala have appeared in a vibrant Gen-Z themed music video aimed at encouraging young electors to participate in the democratic process.
The campaign features Rathan U Kelkar, Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, and Anu Kumari, District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram, alongside other officials, in a youth-oriented music video built around the message: “We vote, we decide.”
The initiative seeks to connect with first-time and young voters by presenting electoral participation in a language and format familiar to Gen-Z audiences.
IAS Officers Join Music Video to Promote Voting Awareness
Apart from the Chief Electoral Officer and the District Collector, the music video also includes:
- Sivasakthivel, Assistant Collector
- Sarin SS, Under Secretary, Election Department
A wider team comprising booth-level and departmental personnel also participated, including:
- Sathyabhama
- Anagha Sajikumar
- Manasa RB
- Devika Anil
- Deepa L
- Aneesh MS
- Abhijith
- Ashwin
Officals said the video is designed to remind young electors that every vote directly shapes governance and political leadership.
“We Vote, We Decide”: Focus on Youth Participation
The Gen-Z campaign is centred on youth engagement and attempts to present voting not merely as a constitutional duty but as a powerful democratic tool.
Election authorities believe that creative formats such as music videos can improve voter connect, especially among first-time voters and urban youth.
The campaign gains importance because Kerala has a large young electorate expected to influence several constituencies in the coming polls.
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Polling on April 9
Polling for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election will take place in a single phase on April 9, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
The tenure of the current Assembly ends on May 23.
Major Political Alliances in the Fray
The principal political formations include:
- Left Democratic Front (LDF)
Led by Communist Party of India (Marxist), with allies such as:
- Kerala Congress (M)
- Rashtriya Janata Dal
- Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar)
United Democratic Front (UDF)
Includes:
- Indian National Congress
- Indian Union Muslim League
- Kerala Congress factions
National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
Led by Bharatiya Janata Party, with regional allies including:
- Twenty20 Party
- Bharath Dharma Jana Sena
- Kerala Kamaraj Congress
Electoral Roll: Over 2.69 Crore Voters Registered
The final electoral roll released after Special Intensive Revision shows:
- 2,69,53,644 total voters
- 1,31,26,048 male voters
- 1,38,27,319 female voters
- 227 third-gender voters
A particularly important segment is the 4,24,518 voters in the 18–19 age group, who are among the key targets of the current awareness campaign.
Who Is Anu Kumari IAS?
Anu Kumari is a 2018 batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre who became nationally known after securing All India Rank 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017.
She emerged as the top-ranking woman candidate that year.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 18, 1986, in Sonipat, Anu Kumari grew up in a middle-class family.
Her father Baljit Singh worked in the HR department of a hospital.
Educational Background
- Schooling at Shiva Siksha Sadan, Sonipat
- B.Sc. (Hons) Physics from Hindu College
- MBA in Finance and Marketing from Institute of Management Technology Nagpur
Corporate Career Before UPSC
Before joining civil services, Anu Kumari spent nearly nine years in the private sector.
She worked with:
- ICICI Bank
- Aviva Life Insurance
She later left corporate employment to prepare full-time for UPSC, driven by a desire for larger social impact.
UPSC Journey: Missed Once, Secured AIR 2 Next Year
Her civil services journey is often cited as one of persistence and discipline.
UPSC Attempts
- 2016: Missed prelims cut-off by just one mark
- 2017: Secured AIR 2 nationally
She reportedly studied 10–12 hours daily and relied heavily on online resources.
One of the most discussed aspects of her journey was staying away from her young son for nearly two years during preparation.
Personal Life and Public Recognition
- Anu Kumari is married to Varun Dahiya, a Delhi-based businessman, and is mother to a son.
- After her UPSC success, she was appointed Brand Ambassador for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao in Sonipat.
Current Administrative Role
At present, she serves as District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram, one of Kerala’s most visible administrative assignments.
Her participation in the election awareness video has again brought her into national public attention.
Read also: Kerala Tops IAS Vacancy Rate as North Indian States Face Acute IAS and IPS Officer Shortage
