B B Gopakumar Breaks BJP's Jinx in Chathannoor, Defying Exit Polls

Key facts

• B B Gopakumar (NDA) wins Chathannoor constituency in Kollam.
• He defeats LDF's R Rajendran and UDF's Sooraj Ravi.
• BJP had finished second in Chathannoor in 2016 and 2021.
• CPI's G S Jayalal held the seat for the previous two terms.
• Victory comes despite exit polls predicting a loss for NDA.
• Election results declared on 4 May 2026.

A Landmark Victory Against the Odds

B B Gopakumar has secured a historic win for the National Democratic Alliance in the Chathannoor constituency of Kollam district, defying all major exit poll predictions. The NDA candidate's victory overturns a pattern of narrow defeats, marking the first time the BJP has captured the seat. The result was announced on 4 May 2026, amid a closely watched contest that had made Chathannoor a focal point for the BJP in Kerala. Gopakumar faced off against LDF candidate R Rajendran and UDF candidate Sooraj Ravi in a three-cornered fight.

From Runner-Up to Winner

Chathannoor had been a persistent target for the BJP, which finished as the runner-up in the previous two elections. In 2016 and 2021, the party narrowly missed victory, with CPI's G S Jayalal holding the seat. The party leadership remained confident despite exit polls failing to forecast a win, citing their strong performance in those earlier contests. Gopakumar's success now represents a breakthrough after years of incremental gains.

The Candidates and the Campaign

The election pitted NDA's B B Gopakumar against LDF's R Rajendran and UDF's Sooraj Ravi. The constituency saw intense campaigning, with the BJP pouring resources into what it viewed as a winnable seat. Exit polls had predicted a loss for the NDA, causing anxiety within the party. However, the final count overturned those projections, delivering a victory that reshapes the political map of Kollam.

Implications for Kerala Politics

The win in Chathannoor is a significant milestone for the BJP in Kerala, a state where the party has traditionally struggled to gain a foothold. The constituency had been a stronghold of the Left, held by the CPI for two consecutive terms. Gopakumar's victory signals a potential shift in voter sentiment, with the NDA breaking through in a region where it had previously fallen short. The result may embolden the BJP to target other seats in the district and beyond.

What Comes Next

The victory in Chathannoor is likely to have repercussions for future elections in Kerala, as the BJP demonstrates its ability to win in competitive constituencies. The party will now look to build on this momentum in upcoming local and state-level contests. For the LDF and UDF, the loss raises questions about their strategies in constituencies where the BJP is gaining ground. The result underscores the evolving dynamics of Kerala's electoral landscape.

The bottom line

• B B Gopakumar's win is the BJP's first in Chathannoor, ending a streak of second-place finishes.
• The victory defied exit polls, which had predicted a loss for the NDA.
• Chathannoor had been held by CPI's G S Jayalal for two terms before this election.
• The result marks a historic shift in a constituency that was a key focus for the BJP in Kollam.
• The win could alter the BJP's strategy in Kerala, a state where it has historically been a minor player.