Kerala Assembly Polls 2026: Kozhikode District Holds Key to Government Formation
The Kozhikode district in Kerala is bracing for the counting of votes for the Assembly elections, with major political fronts keeping their fingers crossed. The district has a number of key constituencies, including Perambra, where LDF convener and incumbent MLA T.P. Ramakrishnan is pitted against the UDF's Fathima Thahiliya.
In Beypore, Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas is taking on former LDF legislator P.V. Anvar, a UDF-backed Independent candidate. The contest in Elathur is also significant, with Minister for Forest and Wildlife A.K. Saseendran fighting against Vidya Balakrishnan of the UDF.
The LDF has traditionally been strong in the district, winning 11 out of 13 seats in the 2021 polls. However, this time, even hardcore loyalists are not predicting a similar performance, with some internal discussions within the CPI(M) suggesting that the LDF could lose key constituencies such as Nadapuram, Thiruvambady, and Kozhikode South.
The recent exit poll surveys have also predicted a reduced number of seats for the ruling front, with some surveys suggesting that the LDF may win only four or five seats in the district.
As the counting of votes approaches, the focus will be on the key constituencies and how they will impact the overall outcome of the elections. The results in Kozhikode could play a pivotal role in government formation in the state, and the LDF and UDF will be closely watching the developments in the district.