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IUML’s strong show winning 22 seats fuelled UDF’s sweep
The IUML delivered a strong performance, winning 22 seats for the UDF and sweeping Malappuram. The results also marked a milestone with Fathima Thahiliya becoming the first IUML woman MLA, while the LDF suffered a rout of KC(M) candidates in central Travancore.
Why It Matters
The results underscore IUML's pivotal role in the UDF's victory and signal potential shifts in Kerala's political dynamics, including broader implications for coalition balance and women's representation in the party.
Timeline
9 Events
Central Travancore: LDF backlash defeats all KC(M) candidates
May 6, 2026
In central Travancore, where Christians, particularly Catholics, hold significant influence, the LDF faced a sweeping backlash, leading to the defeat of all KC(M) candidates.
Kerala Congress (M) of LDF suffers rout; all 12 candidates defeated
May 6, 2026
The Jose K Mani-led Kerala Congress (M), a partner in the Left Democratic Front (LDF), suffered a complete rout. All 12 of its candidates, including Mani himself in Pala, were defeated. This is the first time since the party’s formation in 1979 that it has failed to win a single seat. The party had five MLAs in the outgoing Assembly.
IUML loses five seats; Jayanthi Rajan defeats in Kuthuparamba
May 6, 2026
The IUML lost in five seats — Kuthuparamba, Punalur, Guruvayur, Azhikode and Chelakkara. Its other woman candidate, Jayanthi Rajan, lost to the RJD in Kuthuparamba.
Other IUML winners: PK Basheer, PK Firos, KM Shaji, TV Ibrahim
May 6, 2026
Other prominent IUML leaders, including PK Basheer, PK Firos, KM Shaji and TV Ibrahim, also won their respective constituencies.
PK Kunhalikutty posts highest victory margin in state history
May 6, 2026
PK Kunhalikutty, IUML’s senior leader in the state, won from Malappuram by 85,327 votes, the highest victory margin in the state's history.
Perambra: Fathima Thahiliya defeats TP Ramakrishnan by 5,087 votes
May 6, 2026
In Perambra, Fathima Thahiliya, a key leader of the party’s women’s wing, defeated CPI(M) veteran TP Ramakrishnan by 5,087 votes.
Kalamassery result: VE Abdul Gafoor defeats CPI(M) leader P Rajeev
May 6, 2026
In Kalamassery, its candidate VE Abdul Gafoor defeated CPI(M) leader and industries minister P Rajeev.
Malappuram district: IUML wins all 12 seats
May 6, 2026
IUML swept all 12 seats in Malappuram, reinforcing the party's stronghold in the district, with Congress winning the remaining four seats in the district.
UDF sweeps Kerala Assembly as IUML wins 22 seats
May 6, 2026
The IUML, the second-largest partner in the UDF after the Congress, won 22 of the 27 seats it contested, its highest-ever tally. It swept all 12 seats in Malappuram, while the Congress secured the remaining four seats in the district.