Congress Breaches Trikaripur Fortress: Sandeep Varier Scripts Historic Upset in Kasaragod

KASARAGOD: In a result that has redefined the political map of North Malabar, Indian National Congress candidate Sandeep Varier has achieved a stunning victory in the Trikaripur constituency.

Defeating the Left Democratic Front’s heavyweight Dr V.P.P. Mustafa of the CPI(M), Varier secured a margin of 4,431 votes in a contest that saw a fierce back-and-forth until the final round.

The victory is being hailed as a watershed moment for the United Democratic Front (UDF), as it marks the fall of a constituency that has long been considered an unassailable bastion of the CPI(M).

The battle for Trikaripur was one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 Assembly elections, particularly following Varier’s high-profile entry into the Congress party. Throughout the 17 rounds of counting, the lead fluctuated between the two primary contenders, reflecting the deep polarisation of the electorate.

However, as the focus shifted to the coastal and urban pockets of the constituency in the later stages, Varier managed to consolidate a lead that Mustafa found impossible to bridge.

The final declaration by the Election Commission confirmed Varier’s seat in the legislative assembly, sparking jubilant celebrations among UDF workers across the district.

The loss of Trikaripur is a significant blow to the LDF, which had maintained a vice-like grip on the seat for decades. Analysts point toward a combination of high voter turnout and Varier’s ability to attract neutral and youth votes as the primary reasons for the shift.

For the Congress, this win serves as a major boost in the northern belt, signalling a renewed competitive edge in regions traditionally dominated by the Left. As Sandeep Varier prepares to represent Trikaripur in the Assembly, the result remains the biggest talking point of the 2026 polls in Kasaragod.