Payyannur Tilts Towards Madhusoodanan; Kunhikrishnan Seeks Last-Minute Swing

Payyannur, Kannur: As election campaigning in the Payyannur Assembly constituency came to an end yesterday, the region is set to go to polling booths on April 9 for the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, with indications that the constituency is tilting towards LDF candidate T I Madhusoodanan, while UDF candidate V. Kunhikrishnan is seeking a last-minute swing.

With a total electorate of 1,83,223, the constituency has a notable share of first-time voters, making youth participation a key factor in this election.

Read Also: BJP Candidate Sobha Surendran Faces Row As Cash Distribution Video Surfaces Ahead Of Palakkad Polls

The constituency has remained a stronghold of the CPI(M) since 1967, consistently electing Left candidates and building a reputation as one of its most dependable bases. In the 2021 Assembly election, CPI(M) candidate T. I. Madhusoodanan secured 93,695 votes (62.49%), while UDF candidate M. Pradeep Kumar received 43,915 votes (29.29%), resulting in a decisive victory margin of 49,780 votes for the left party. Over the past decade, the LDF government has implemented several development projects in the region, which Madhusoodanan highlighted during his campaign, projecting continuity and development as key factors in retaining the seat.

Senior leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, reinforced this confidence, describing Payyannur as a firm Left bastion with a strong political legacy and asserting that the constituency would continue to stand with the party as it seeks a third consecutive term in Kerala.

Read Also: ‘Will Retire From Politics If UDF Loses Kerala Assembly Elections, VD Satheesan Repeats

However, Madhusoodanan faces an unusual and potentially disruptive challenge from Kunhikrishnan, who has managed to gather support across sections and make the contest more competitive compared to previous elections, where victory margins have traditionally been comfortable for the Left.

As the campaign reaches its end, Payyannur presents a closely watched contest, where the dominance of the Left is being tested by a determined UDF push. Voters will now decide whether to maintain the long-standing LDF hold or allow a shift in the final outcome when they head to polling booths tomorrow.