Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Close contest likely across Wayanad’s three constituencies

As Wayanad heads into the April 9 Assembly polls, the political mood in the hill district reflects both continuity and change, with local factors set to outweigh broader electoral trends.

Though all three constituencies- Mananthavady, Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery- are part of the Wayanad Lok Sabha segment represented by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who secured significant leads in the 2024 bypoll, Assembly contests here have traditionally followed a different pattern. Voters tend to prioritise local candidates, issues, and performance.

The 2021 results reflected this trend, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) winning Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, while the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) retained Mananthavady.

This time, the campaign has been shaped largely by local concerns. The aftermath of the 2024 Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides dominates the discourse, particularly in Kalpetta, where rehabilitation and allegations of exclusion have become key issues. The controversy over Congress-collected rehabilitation funds has further intensified the debate. While KPCC president Sunny Joseph has released details of the funds, questions over transparency persist. CPI(M) district secretary K. Rafeek has accused T. Siddique, MLA, of cheating a landslide survivor after promising her a house, an allegation Mr. Siddique has denied, filing complaints with the Election Commission and the police.

In the Scheduled Tribe (ST) constituencies of Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery, tribal land rights, welfare, and representation remain central. Discontent among sections of Adivasi communities over land distribution continues.

Human–wildlife conflict affects farmers and settlers across the district. Agrarian distress, driven by fluctuating prices of cash crops such as coffee and pepper, adds to voter concerns. Infrastructure gaps, access to healthcare and night traffic ban also remain persistent issues.

The contest remains finely balanced. The UDF is banking on its traditional support base and pockets of anti-incumbency, while the LDF is foregrounding governance, welfare delivery and its crisis response, including the recently inaugurated Kalpetta township project for landslide survivors. The NDA, though not a major player, is attempting to expand its presence. Various Dalit and Adivasi organisations, including the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGMS) and the Ambedkarite Democratic Front (ADF), have announced support for the UDF in the Assembly elections.

Kalpetta constituency has emerged as the key battleground, with T. Siddique (Congress) facing P.K. Anilkumar (RJD) and Prasanth Malavayal (BJP). Mananthavady is also competitive, though CPI(M)’s O.R. Kelu, who is a Minister in the present Cabinet, seeking a third straight win, appears to hold a slight edge over Usha Vijayan (Congress) and P. Shyam Raj (BJP).

In Sulthan Bathery, Congress MLA I.C. Balakrishnan is aiming for a fourth consecutive term, facing M.S. Viswanathan [CPI(M)] and Kavitha A.S. (BJP).

Overall, Wayanad is headed for a closely fought election, with no clear sweep in sight.