Most of the sitting MLAs in Kozhikode district are likely to be involved again in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
There are 13 assembly constituencies in the district and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has 11 representatives. The others belong to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP).
In the LDF, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) will have to find a replacement for Kanathila Jameela (Koyilandy), who died in November last year. EK Vijayan, a CPI leader and three-time MLA for Nadapuram, is also unlikely to contest the election in view of the time limit set for his party’s candidature. Contenders for the seat include P. Gavas, CPI Kozhikode district secretary.
Among others, it is not yet clear whether Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Forest and Wildlife Minister AK Saseendran will be re-deployed from Elathur. A section in his party has already staked its claim on the seat, pointing to Mr. Saseendran’s advanced age and his consecutive tenures in the Assembly and the state cabinet. There is also talk of the CPI(M) taking over the seat considering the party’s strong roots there and allotting some other seat to the NCP.
CPI(M) leader Thottathil Raveendran, MLA for Kozhikode North, has reportedly expressed his wish not to participate in the election fray this time. However, his party has not yet decided on the demand. It remains to be seen whether the CPI(M) will release the mandatory two-year term for Perambra MLA and LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan, who has represented the segment since 2016.
Though LDF Independent MLA PTA Raheem (Kunnamangalam) is likely to get another chance, there are rumors of his fielding from Koduvalla, which is currently represented by IUML’s MK Muneer. There is unlikely to be any change in the candidature of Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas (Beypore), KM Sachindev (Balussery), Lint Joseph (Thiruvambady) and KP Kunhamedkutty (Kuttiyadi), other CPI(M) MLAs from the district. Indian National League’s Ahammed Devarkovil (Kozhikode South) may also get another chance.
In UDF the RMP is again set to the field of KK Rema of Vadakara. The UDF-affiliated party is also reportedly planning to seek additional seats, underscoring its major role in the front’s electoral victories in local polls as well as consecutive Lok Sabha polls. Although Dr. Muneer is said to be facing health issues, the IUML is yet to clarify whether he will throw his hat into the electoral ring again. There is already talk of a demand to shift him to Kozhikode South, from where he was elected in the past.
Published – 18 Jan 2026 19:44 IST
