Kasaragod Set For Fierce Contest As Nellikkunnu Faces Multi-Cornered Challenge

Kasaragod, Kerala: As campaigning ended in the Kasaragod Assembly constituency, the region is set to go to polls on April 9 as part of the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, with a competitive fight between UDF candidate N. A. Nellikkunnu, NDA candidate K. Shreekanth, and LDF-backed independent Shanavas Padhoor.

In the 2021 election, Nellikkunnu won with 63,296 votes (43.80%), defeating Shreekanth who secured 50,395 votes (34.88%), with a margin of 12,901 votes. LDF-backed candidate M. A. Latheef received 28,323 votes (19.60%).

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Kasaragod has largely remained a stronghold of the Indian Union Muslim League, though contests have often been competitive due to multiple candidates. All fronts have campaigned actively in the final phase. The UDF is banking on its sitting MLA, while the NDA is aiming to increase its vote share.

The constituency also saw controversy in the final days after remarks by a Vanitha League leader against the LDF-backed candidate, which the LDF alleged violated the Model Code of Conduct. The leader, however, defended the remarks.

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As polling approaches, Kasaragod remains a closely watched seat where voter turnout and small shifts in votes could decide the outcome.