Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Divergent campaign strategies mark the race in Kalpetta

Under an intolerant midday sun that belies Wayanad’s fame for cool climes, UDF candidate T. Siddique moves briskly from one reception point to another in the Kalpetta Assembly constituency. Contesting here for the second time with tightly packed schedules that leave little room for pause, he is now at the peak of his outdoor campaign.

At intervals of barely five kilometres, his convoy halts, drawing clusters of residents. At each stop, he makes it a point to step beyond the dais and into homes nearby, especially to meet key elderly leaders. These quiet visits, often away from the campaign’s visible bustle, are interspersed with more animated interactions at reception points.

LDF candidate P.K. Anilkumar interacting with an elderly voter during his campaign in Kalpetta Assembly constituency on March 28.
| Photo Credit:
K. Ragesh

Youngsters also gather in notable numbers, many waiting to greet him, as was evident by Saturday noon (March 28) at Vellachimoola, around 15 km from Kalpetta town. Mr. Siddique moves swiftly through the crowd, shaking hands, posing for selfies and exchanging a few words with as many people as possible.

In these fleeting interactions, he returns consistently to a set of talking points. He emotionally highlights efforts to support higher education for over 140 children affected by the Chooralmala landslides and initiatives taken to open NEET and NET examination centres in Wayanad. In between, he also lashes out at the LDF with claims that his fight for rail connectivity and waiting for an airstrip in Wayanad district remains derailed because of the LDF government’s apathy. It will have to be taken forward, he asserts.  

NDA candidate Prasanth Malavayal greeting voters at a temple premise in Kalpetta Assembly constituency on March 28.
| Photo Credit:
K. Ragesh

If Mr. Siddique’s campaign is marked by a calibrated outreach, his rival, LDF candidate P.K. Anilkumar of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), presents a contrasting rhythm. A former secretary of the Wayanad District Congress Committee, Mr. Anilkumar projects himself as the “son of soil”, anchoring his campaign in familiarity and continuity.

At many reception points, he calls voters by name, underscoring his long association with the region. On the campaign trail, he frequently steps into shops along his route, ensuring that no voter feels overlooked. Having crossed over to the socialist fold five years ago, he places considerable emphasis on the achievements of the LDF government, expressing confidence in converting organisational goodwill into electoral gains.

At a modest forenoon convention in Kottavayal on Saturday, he pointed to the Chooralmala project as emblematic of the government’s commitment to the marginalised. Envisioning Kalpetta as a recognised brand of tourism, healthcare and infrastructure, he also sharpened his criticism of the incumbent, alleging a focus on symbolic projects such as high mast lights over more substantive development initiatives.

A third strand in the contest in the constituency is woven by NDA candidate Prasanth Malavayal, whose campaign departs from the high-decibel roadshows of his rivals. He has opted for a quieter, more diffused outreach, focusing on field visits without the trappings of a conventional campaign spectacle.

His presence at a temple festival venue near Vaduvanchal on Saturday offered a glimpse into this approach. With minimal fanfare, Mr. Malavayal seeks to maximise one-on-one interactions. Voters, many of them elderly, lean into quietly sharing their concerns, sometimes murmuring demands into his ears. 

The NDA candidate acknowledges the challenges posed by the two dominant fronts, but frames his appeal around the promise of change. He argues that successive representatives have fallen short in addressing persistent issues, from transportation bottlenecks and gaps in the health sector to the distress of plantation workers.

In Kalpetta, the 2016 and 2021 Assembly elections reflected two distinct electoral swings. In 2016, C.K. Saseendran of the LDF emerged victorious with 72,959 votes, by a margin of 13,083, while BJP candidate K. Sadanandan finished third with 12,938 votes.

In 2021, Mr. Siddique captured the seat with 70,252 votes, defeating M.V. Shreyamskumar, then contesting as a Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) candidate, who polled 64,782 votes, by a narrow margin of 5,470 votes. NDA’s T.M. Subeesh remained the third major candidate with 14,113 votes.

Now, there are 2,12,451 voters, including 1,03,591 men, 1,08,858 women and two transgender people to decide the democratic verdict in 2026. The constituency comprises the Kalpetta municipality and 10 grama panchayats.

Published – March 29, 2026 07:48 pm IST