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Kerala polls: Can Mohammed Riyas hold Beypore as UDF, NDA challenge Left bastion?

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PA Mohammed Riyas | Photo: Mathrubhumi
PA Mohammed Riyas | Photo: Mathrubhumi

Thiruvananthapuram: Located along Kerala’s northern coast in Kozhikode district, the Beypore assembly constituency has long been a political stronghold of the Left, shaped by a mix of fishing communities, harbour-linked workers, and a growing urban electorate. The seat has consistently remained with the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) since 1982, making it one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state.

The constituency is currently represented by P. A. Mohammed Riyas, who also serves as Kerala’s Public Works and Tourism Minister. Seeking re-election, Riyas is banking on the LDF’s track record and development initiatives, expressing confidence in securing another mandate. He also carries political visibility as the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

However, the contest in Beypore has turned into a competitive three-cornered fight. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded P. V. Anvar, a former Independent MLA from Nilambur who was earlier aligned with the LDF before moving to the Trinamool Congress. His candidacy is expected to challenge the Left’s traditional voter base.

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The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has re-nominated K. P. Prakash Babu, who is looking to improve on his 2021 performance, where he secured over 26,000 votes. His campaign centres on local issues such as drinking water supply, healthcare access, coastal erosion, and the condition of Beypore port, which remains a key economic and cultural landmark.

With less than a fortnight to go before the Kerala Assembly elections 2026, campaigning has intensified across the constituency. All three fronts — LDF, UDF, and NDA — are actively engaging voters through rallies, street-corner meetings, and direct outreach efforts.

Polling is scheduled for April 9, with results to be declared on May 4. The outcome in Beypore will determine whether the LDF can retain its decades-long dominance or if the constituency is ready for a political shift after years of Left control.

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