In a significant electoral outcome from Kerala's Aranmula constituency, Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Abin Varkey Kodiyattu emerged victorious in the 2026 assembly elections. He secured a total of 70,083 votes, defeating the sitting Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) candidate and former minister Veena George by a margin of 18,985 votes. Veena George, who was the incumbent MLA, polled 51,098 votes in this closely watched contest.
Constituency Profile
Aranmula is a general category seat in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The constituency comprises the Aranmula Municipality, Kozhencherry, and several rural panchayats including Malayalapuzha and Kidangannur. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the region is home to the famous Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple and is renowned for its traditional snake boat races (Vallam Kali). The area is also known for the unique Aranmula Kannadi, a handmade metal mirror.
Previous Election Results
In the 2021 assembly elections, the seat was won by CPI(M) candidate Veena George, who secured 74,950 votes, accounting for 46.30 per cent of the total vote share. She defeated Congress candidate K. Sivadasan Nair, who polled 55,947 votes (34.56 per cent), with a decisive margin of 19,003 votes. The voter turnout in that election stood at 65.45 per cent.
Political Dynamics
Aranmula has long been considered a stronghold of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), with local politics shaped by a combination of cultural identity and development concerns. In the 2026 elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) fielded Pazhakulam Madhu, but it was the INC candidate who ultimately triumphed.
Key Issues in the Constituency
The constituency has faced recurring issues such as flooding of the Pamba River, which adversely affects agriculture including paddy fields, rubber estates, and banana plantations. Other key concerns include poor road infrastructure, irregular water supply in rural areas, unemployment among youth, and pressure on local healthcare facilities. Environmental issues such as illegal quarrying, deforestation, and waste accumulation linked to tourism have also been highlighted. Frequent monsoon power cuts and rising land prices have further added to local challenges.
Broader Electoral Context
The 2026 assembly elections have seen significant shifts across multiple states. In Tamil Nadu, Vijay's TVK party emerged as a formidable force, pushing the DMK and AIADMK to the margins. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's position appeared precarious as she lagged behind Suvendu Adhikari after the second round in Bhabanipur. Meanwhile, the BJP is projected to potentially oust Mamata in Bengal while retaining Assam.
This article provides live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends, and full coverage of the Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry election results.
