Kerala Assembly elections 2026: Thodupuzha voters to weigh legacy and continuity against growing calls for change

The upcoming Assembly elections marks the beginning of a new phase for Thodupuzha, with P.J. Joseph, chairman of the Kerala Congress and a veteran ally of the United Democratic Front (UDF), announcing his retirement from electoral politics. He has handed the baton to his son, Apu John Joseph, who will contest from the constituency in the elections.

Challenging Mr. Apu John Joseph from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is Cyriac Chazhikadan, representing Kerala Congress (M). Adding a twist to the contest, Roy Varicattu— who ran as an LDF-backed Independent against the senior Joseph in 2016 — is contesting this time as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate. Mr. Varicattu is representing Twenty20, a recent ally of the NDA. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded Basil John as its candidate.

Historically, Thodupuzha has been a stronghold for Mr. Joseph. This election will be a litmus test to determine whether voters will extend the same loyalty to for Mr. Apu John Joseph.. While Mr. Apu John Joseph has pledged to follow his father’s footsteps in driving development, the LDF argues that a victory for Mr. Chazhikadan is necessary to “change the face” of the constituency. Meanwhile, the NDA is hopeful that its growing influence, particularly within the Thodupuzha municipality where the BJP maintains a strong presence, will translate into a significant vote share.

According to the latest electoral rolls, the constituency has 1,87,167 voters. In the most recent local body elections, the UDF maintained its grip on the Thodupuzha municipality and the majority of the surrounding panchayats.

The senior Joseph has historically won by substantial margins. In 2016, he defeated Mr. Varicattu by 45,587 votes. Following the split within the Kerala Congress (M), he emerged victorious by defeating K.I. Antony by a margin of 20,259 votes in 2021. The constituency encompasses the Thodupuzha municipality along with the panchayats of Karimkunnam, Purappuzha, Manakkad, Kumaramangalam, Idavetti, Muttom, Alakkode, Karimannur, Udumbannoor, Kodikkulam, Vannappuram, and Velliyamattom.

Thodupuzha, a key constituency in the hilly district of Idukki, is widely regarded as a developed urban centre. Unlike other regions in the district, Thodupuzha’s proximity to Kochi means its residents rely heavily on the metro city for various needs. The constituency boasts a diverse electorate, including farmers, local vendors, and salaried professionals.