P A Mohammed Riyas retains Beypore with a reduced margin as the UDF sweeps Kerala, ousting most of the LDF Cabinet.
Kozhikode: In a major departure from the overall trend of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, PWD and Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas managed to retain his Beypore seat, becoming one of the rare survivors in an otherwise struggling LDF Cabinet.
According to data released by the Election Commission, Riyas garnered 81,849 votes, defeating UDF-supported independent candidate P V Anvar by a margin of 7,487 votes.
A shrinking margin
While the victory ensures his return to the Assembly, the figures reveal a notable dip in support compared to his 2021 performance.
Cabinet rout
The narrow escape by Riyas stands in stark contrast to the fortunes of his Cabinet colleagues. Reports indicate that heavyweights, including Veena George, M B Rajesh and P Rajeev, have officially lost their seats.
The political landscape of Kerala has seen a dramatic reversal; while the LDF secured 99 seats in 2021, current leads show the UDF crossing the 100-seat mark, leaving the LDF ahead in fewer than 40 constituencies.
The statistical face-off: 2021 Vs 2026
| Category | 2021 Election | 2026 Election (Provisional) |
| Polling Percentage | 79.41% | ~77.04% |
| Winning Candidate | P A Mohammed Riyas (CPM) | P A Mohammed Riyas (CPM) |
| Primary Challenger | P M Niyas (INC) | P V Anvar (Independent/UDF backed) |
| NDA Candidate | K P Prakash Babu (BJP) | Adv Prakash Babu (BJP) |
| Winning Margin | 28,747 votes | 7,487 votes |
Published: 04 May 2026, 05:10 am IST
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