As Wayanad heads into assembly elections on April 9, the political mood in the Hill district reflects both continuity and change, with local factors set to outweigh broader electoral trends.
Although all three constituencies – Mananthavady, Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery – are part of the Wayanad Lok Sabha segment represented by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who secured a significant lead in 2024, assembly contests here have traditionally followed a different pattern. Voters tend to prioritize local candidates, issues and performance.
The 2021 results reflected this trend, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) winning Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, while the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) retained Mananthavady.
This time the campaign was largely shaped by local interests. The aftermath of the 2024 Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides dominates the discourse, particularly in Kalpetta, where rehabilitation and allegations of exclusion have become key issues. Controversy over rehabilitation funds collected by Congress further intensified the debate. While KPCC president Sunny Joseph released details of the funds, questions about transparency remain. CPI(M) District Secretary K. Rafeek accused T. Siddique, MLA, of cheating the landslide survivor after promising her a house, which Mr. Siddique denied and lodged complaints with the Election Commission and the police.
In the Scheduled Tribe (ST) constituencies of Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery, tribal rights to land, welfare and representation remain central. Discontent among sections of Adivasi communities over land distribution and lack of political representation continues.
Human-wildlife conflict affects farmers and settlers throughout the district. Agrarian distress caused by fluctuating prices of cash crops such as coffee and pepper adds to voters’ concerns. Gaps in infrastructure, access to health care and night driving bans also remain persistent challenges.
The competition remains balanced. The UDF relies on its traditional support base and anti-incumbency pockets, while the LDF is at the forefront of governance, welfare delivery and crisis response, including the recently launched Kalpetta township project for landslide survivors. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), though not a major player, is attempting to expand its presence. Various Dalit and Adivasi organisations, including the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGMS) and the Ambedkarite Democratic Front (ADF), have announced support for the UDF in the Assembly elections.
Kalpetta constituency has emerged as a key battleground where T. Siddique (Congress) faces PK Anilkumar (RJD) and Prasanth Malavayal (BJP). Mananthavady is also competitive, although CPI(M)’s OR Kelu, who is a minister in the current cabinet and is seeking a third straight victory, is seen to have a slight lead over Usha Vijayan (Congress) and P. Shyam Raj (BJP).
In Sulthan Bathery, Congress MLA IC Balakrishnan is seeking a fourth consecutive term, facing MS Viswanathan (CPI(M)) and Kavitha AS (BJP).
All in all, Wayanad is heading for a closely contested election, with no clear changes in sight.
Published – 06 Apr 2026 19:46 IST
