IUML candidate Manjalamkuzhi Ali has emerged victorious in the Mankada Assembly constituency, securing 110,692 votes in the 2026 Kerala state elections. He defeated Independent candidate Kunnath Mohamed in a closely watched contest that underscored the intense political rivalry in north Kerala.
Constituency Profile
Mankada is the 39th among Kerala's 140 legislative seats and falls under the Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency. This general seat has approximately 200,000 voters, predominantly from Muslim-majority areas, with recent voter turnout exceeding 77%. The constituency encompasses grama panchayats such as Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Puzhakkattiri, Angadippuram, and Moorkanad.
Historical Context
Mankada has been a stronghold of the IUML since 1977, though the party has faced narrow victories in recent years. In the 2021 elections, Ali won with 83,231 votes (49.46%), defeating CPI(M)'s T. K. Rasheedali by a slim margin of 1,508 votes. In 2016, Ali secured roughly 57,000 votes (about 47%), winning by over 23,000 votes against his nearest rival.
2026 Election Dynamics
The 2026 race highlighted the IUML's grassroots machinery and minority solidarity, as well as debates over local development. Despite the LDF's persistent challenges, the IUML maintained its edge. The victory reaffirms the party's influence in the region, even as alliances evolve and welfare-focused campaigns intensify.
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