Aryadan Shoukath Secures Landslide Victory in Nilambur

The Indian National Congress (INC) has reclaimed its bastion in Nilambur as Aryadan Shoukath secured a resounding victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.

In a high-profile contest that drew state-wide attention, Shoukath defeated his nearest rival, the LDF-backed independent candidate and former Indian football captain U Sharafali.

The Election Commission officially declared the result today after the completion of 19 rounds of counting. Shoukath maintained a dominant lead from the very first round, ultimately winning by a substantial margin of 44,883 votes.

The victory marks a significant emotional and political comeback for the Aryadan family. Shoukath, the son of the legendary late leader Aryadan Muhammed, has successfully steered the constituency back to the Congress fold.

The seat was previously held by P.V. Anvar, whose departure from the traditional front had shifted the local political dynamics in recent years.
The “Footballer vs. Politician” Battle.

While the Left Democratic Front (LDF) pinned its hopes on the popularity of U Sharafali, a legendary figure in Indian football and former MSP Commandant, the voters of Nilambur favoured the seasoned political experience of Shoukath.

Nilambur recorded a robust voter turnout of 79.19% during the polling held on April 9. Analysts suggest that a high anti-incumbency sentiment and a strong sympathy wave for the late Aryadan Muhammed contributed to the decisive mandate.