Exploring the Political Landscape of Alappuzha District Ahead of Kerala Assembly Elections 2026
Alappuzha: A District Rich in Waterways and History
Nestled along the coast, Alappuzha district in Kerala is renowned for its abundant rainfall and a vast network of canals, rivers, lakes, and various water bodies. This intricate system of waterways has earned it the nickname 'Venice of the East,' as boats are a common sight here. To the east of this district lie the districts of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, while the famous Vembanad Lake separates it from Kottayam and Alappuzha, ensuring the area is perpetually waterlogged. To the north, the bustling city of Kochi serves as a significant business hub in Kerala.
Historical Significance and Political Dynamics
Known as Alleppey, this city was dubbed 'Venice of the East' by Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy, due to its unique geographical features, including the sea on one side and a large lake on the other, complemented by rivers and canals that support a thriving backwater economy. Established on August 17, 1957, the district has historical importance, notably marked by the anti-untouchability movement led by the renowned journalist and activist T.K. Madhavan in 1925.
The political history of Alappuzha suggests that any party aspiring for power must secure a victory here. The Left Front has triumphed in the last two elections, while the Congress party is making a vigorous effort to reclaim its influence. Rice cultivation is pivotal in this region, prompting Congress to promise a minimum support price of ₹35 per kilogram for rice. In the recent local body elections, the Left's dominance slightly waned, with the UDF winning 23 out of 72 gram panchayats, leaving the Left with only 36. The UDF also made significant gains in municipal elections, winning five out of six seats.
2021 Election Recap
In the 2021 assembly elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) faced a significant defeat in this district, securing victory in only one of the nine seats, which was held by Ramesh Chennithala. This time, the Congress has decided not to field a candidate in one seat, instead supporting the Left's remaining candidate. The previous elections featured intense competition, but Congress was unable to secure wins, leading to a strategic shift in candidate selection for this election cycle.
Historical Overview of Assembly Seats
Arur: This seat has been under Left control for decades, but Congress won it in the 2019 by-elections. However, in 2021, Congress's Shanimul Usman lost, and the Left's Dalima is contesting again against him.
Cherthala: A.K. Antony won this seat from 1996 to 2006, but after he did not contest in 2006, the Left regained control. From 2006 to 2021, P. Tilothaman won here, and in 2021, P. Prasad was the Left candidate who won easily. The Left has nominated him again, while Congress has fielded K.R. Rajendra Prasad.
Alappuzha: Once the constituency of K.C. Venugopal, it has now become a stronghold for the Left. After Venugopal became an MP, Congress won in the 2009 by-elections but has not won since. P.P. Chitranjan, who won in 2021, is the Left candidate again, while Congress has nominated A.D. Thomas.
Ambalappuzha: Congress has only won this seat once since 1991, with the Left holding it since 2006. H. Salam, who won in 2021, is the Left candidate again, while G. Sudhakaran, who has been winning since 2006, is contesting as an independent with Congress's support.
Kuttanad: This seat has been under Left control for a long time, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) winning here. Thomas K. Thomas is the NCP candidate again, while UDF has Raji Cherian contesting.
Haripad: This seat has been a Congress stronghold, with Ramesh Chennithala winning three consecutive times. He is contesting again, while the Left has T.T. Jimson and the BJP has Sandeep Vachaspati.
Kayamkulam: The Left has held this seat for the past 20 years, with U. Pratibha winning twice. She is the Left candidate again, while Congress has M. Liju contesting.
Mavelikara: This seat was with Congress from 1991 to 2011 but is now held by the Left. M.S. Arun Kumar, who won in 2021, is the Left candidate again, while Congress has Advocate M. Raj contesting.
Chengannur: This seat was a Congress stronghold from 1991 to 2016 but has been won by the Left for the past decade. Minister Saji Cherian has been the MLA since 2018 and is contesting again, while Congress has A.B. Kuriakose.
District Overview
Area: 1415 square kilometers
Municipalities: 6
Blocks: 12
Taluks: 6
Gram Panchayats: 72
Assembly Seats: 9
LDF: 8
UDF: 1