T. Siddique Wins Kalpetta by 45,031 Votes as Landslide Rehabilitation Dominates Kerala Poll

Key facts

• T. Siddique (UDF) won Kalpetta with 97,379 votes, a margin of 45,031.
• P.K. Anil Kumar (LDF) received 52,348 votes; Prasanth Malavayal (BJP) got 19,175.
• Siddique's 2021 margin was 5,470 votes; in 2016 LDF won the seat.
• The constituency has over 2.12 lakh voters across Kalpetta municipality and panchayats.
• Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide rehabilitation was a central campaign issue.
• Partially completed township and beneficiary list exclusions fueled voter debate.

Siddique Secures Decisive Victory in Kalpetta

T. Siddique of the Congress-led United Democratic Front has won the Kalpetta Assembly constituency in Kerala by a margin of 45,031 votes, according to results counted on Monday. Siddique polled 97,379 votes, comfortably ahead of his nearest rival P.K. Anil Kumar of the Left Democratic Front, who secured 52,348 votes. NDA candidate Prasanth Malavayal of the BJP finished third with 19,175 votes. The victory marks a significant retention for the UDF in a constituency that has shown shifting electoral patterns. In 2021, Siddique won the seat with 70,252 votes, a margin of just 5,470. The LDF had secured a decisive victory in 2016.

Grassroots Outreach Versus Local Roots

Siddique's campaign focused on extensive grassroots outreach, combining public receptions with direct household visits. His messaging centered on education support initiatives and long-pending infrastructure demands in Wayanad. Anil Kumar projected himself as a local figure with deep roots, relying on voter familiarity and highlighting the LDF government's record, including rehabilitation efforts and development claims. Malavayal adopted a quieter campaign, prioritizing small-scale interactions and positioning himself as an alternative to both dominant fronts, raising issues such as transport gaps and plantation distress.

Landslide Rehabilitation Shapes Political Narrative

The Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide, which caused significant loss of life, remained central to the campaign. Rehabilitation efforts became a key political flashpoint, with both UDF and LDF presenting competing narratives on delivery and delays. The partially completed township project and concerns over exclusions from beneficiary lists featured prominently in voter discussions. The disaster's aftermath influenced voter perceptions of governance and relief effectiveness.

Electoral Context and Voter Base

Kalpetta constituency has over 2.12 lakh voters, covering Kalpetta municipality and surrounding panchayats. The 2026 election saw a clear shift in voter preference compared to previous cycles. Siddique's margin of 45,031 votes is nearly eight times his 2021 margin, indicating a consolidation of support. The LDF's vote share dropped significantly, while the BJP's remained marginal.

What Comes Next for Wayanad

With the election concluded, attention now turns to the implementation of rehabilitation promises. The landslide-affected areas expect accelerated township construction and resolution of beneficiary list disputes. Siddique's victory gives the UDF a strong mandate in Kalpetta, potentially influencing broader political dynamics in Kerala. The results also underscore the electoral weight of disaster management and local infrastructure issues.

The bottom line

• T. Siddique won Kalpetta by 45,031 votes, a decisive victory over LDF and BJP candidates.
• The Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide rehabilitation was the dominant campaign issue.
• Siddique's margin increased nearly eightfold from 2021, reflecting voter consolidation.
• The LDF's vote share declined significantly compared to 2016 when it won the seat.
• Infrastructure demands and education support were key planks of Siddique's campaign.
• The partially completed township and beneficiary exclusions remain unresolved post-election.