The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is challenging the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in several of the 12 Palakkad assembly constituencies. While the LDF currently holds 10 of the 12 seats, UDF leaders are optimistic about winning at least two more seats while retaining strongholds like Palakkad and Mannarkkad.
At least six constituencies — Palakkad, Thrithala, Pattambi, Ottapalam, Kongad and Malampuzha — are witnessing fierce fighting, with Palakkad emerging as the fiercest. A triangular fight has developed in Palakkad between BJP’s Sobha Surendran, UDF’s Ramesh Pisharody and LDF’s NMR Razak.
BJP cadres remain optimistic, banking on the party’s high-profile and resource-intensive campaign; but both the UDF and the LDF have accelerated their reach, posing a tough challenge to Ms. Surendran. The UDF is confident of retaining its position.
Malampuzha is another focal point where BJP State Vice President C. Krishnakumar is giving a strong challenge to LDF incumbent A. Prabhakaran. The Congress says UDF candidate A. Suresh, formerly a personal assistant to VS Achuthanandan, could emerge as a dark horse in the contest. But it needs to be seen.
Thrithala sees a high-stakes rematch between UDF’s VT Balram and LDF incumbent MB Rajesh. Aiming to reverse his 2021 defeat, Mr Balram is said to be applying lessons from the last election, while Mr Rajesh is confident of repeating his victory.
In Pattambi, LDF incumbent Mohammed Muhsin faces UDF’s TP Shaji, with reports of support from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) adding another layer of unpredictability. LDF sources warn that Mr Muhsin’s re-election will not be a piece of cake.
Ottapalam proved to be one of the most interesting races where ousted CPI(M) leader PK Sasi challenged LDF incumbent K. Premkumar as an independent partner supported by the UDF. Filmmaker Major Ravi, contesting on a BJP ticket, adds more intrigue to the race.
The UDF is also pinning hopes on Kongad, where KA Thulasi, wife of Palakkad MP VK Sreekandan, is taking on LDF incumbent K Santhakumari. Similarly, Chittur is a key battleground with the UDF’s Sumesh Achuthan, the Chittur-Tattamangalam municipal chairman, facing LDF’s V Murugadas after a strong performance in the 2025 local body elections.
While the LDF maintains its strongholds, the UDF is escalating serious problems in Tharur, Alathur, Nenmara and Shoranur. Apart from Palakkad and Malampuzha, the BJP is also targeting Shoranur. Palakkad district has a total electorate of 22.68 million, including 11.56 million women and 11.12 million men. Among the constituencies, Pattambi (2.10 lakh), Ottapalam (2.09 lakh), Mannarkkad (2.06 lakh) and Thrithala (2.03 lakh) have the largest voter base, while Tharoor (1.64 lakh) and Alathur (1.65 lakh) have the smallest.
Published – 06 Apr 2026 23:15 IST
