Kerala Polls 2026: CPM rebel backed by UDF tests party’s dominance in Payyanur

Payyanur, in Kerala’s Kannur district, has long held the distinction of electing only CPM candidates to the Assembly. However, in this election, that streak could face an unprecedented challenge.

The disruption comes from within the party itself. Earlier this year, veteran CPM leader V. Kunhikrishnan, who has been associated with the party for over five decades, published a book titled Nethruthwathe Anikal Thiruthanam (‘The Ranks Should Correct The Leadership’).

In the book, he alleges large-scale financial irregularities involving senior CPM leaders, including sitting MLA T. I. Madhusoodhanan. Among the claims is the alleged misappropriation of funds collected for the family of a 38-year-old CPM activist who was killed in 2016.

The party has denied all allegations and expelled Kunhikrishnan. Undeterred, he has entered the electoral fray as an independent candidate, with backing from the UDF.

Campaigning actively, Kunhikrishnan goes door-to-door with his supporters, meeting voters early in the morning before the summer heat intensifies. He insists that "the fight is not against his party but against individuals, and not for office, but for principles."

Meanwhile, sitting MLA Madhusoodhanan, who won the 2021 election by a margin of nearly 50,000 votes against his UDF rival, is seeking another decisive victory.

During his campaign, he received an enthusiastic welcome from a group of young voters, who invited him to inaugurate a paddy harvest they had cultivated themselves. Dismissing the allegations, Madhusoodhanan maintains they are baseless, adding that no one supported Kunhikrishnan when he raised them. He remains confident that his UDF-backed opponent poses no real threat.

The BJP, which has historically had only a marginal presence in the region, has fielded A. P. Gangadharan, a long-time RSS worker.

Also watch: Kerala Polls 2026: Tight triangular contest in Nedumangad with LDF seeking to retain seat  

Gangadharan claims there is growing disillusionment among voters and says they are seeking change—which, he says, is why he will win. He further alleges that residents are frustrated with unfulfilled promises and points to a lack of development in the area.

In the 13 Assembly elections held so far in Payyanur, the CPM has never lost. The party is now aiming to maintain that record.

However, whether a rebel candidate backed by the UDF can alter that long-standing dominance has turned Payyanur into a closely watched battleground in the upcoming elections.

Polling in Payyanur, along with the rest of Kerala, is scheduled for April 9, with results to be announced on May 4.