Major political fronts in Kozhikode are keeping their fingers crossed for the counting of votes for the assembly elections on Monday (May 4, 2026) as the results here could play a crucial role in forming the government in the state.
The district has a number of constituencies to watch out for. In Perambra, Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener and sitting MLA TP Ramakrishnan pitted against Fathima Thahiliya of the United Democratic Front (UDF). An LDF campaign announcement with alleged communal overtones has created a row here. In Beypore, PA Public Works Minister Mohamed Riyas took on former LDF legislator PV Anvar, an independent candidate backed by the UDF. In Elathur, Forest and Wildlife Minister and Nationalist Congress Party veteran AK Saseendran contested against UDF’s Vidya Balakrishnan. Mr. Saseendran had to overcome an internal rebellion against his candidacy to finally enter the fray. Another key contest is in Vadakara, where lone MLA KK Rema of the Revolutionary Marxist Party was seeking a second term.
For the LDF, this district has long been one of its strongholds. In the polls in 2021, it won 11 out of 13 seats here. This time, however, even die-hard faithful are not predicting a similar performance. Soon after the polls, a section of the media reported, citing internal discussions within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) district secretariat, that the LDF was likely to lose the Nadapuram, Thiruvambady and Kozhikode South constituencies. However, the party’s district secretary M. Mehboob later dismissed these reports. Meanwhile, recent exit polls predicted only four or five seats for the ruling front.
Published – 03 May 2026 19:50 IST
