The Mankada assembly constituency in Kerala is gearing up for a high-stakes electoral battle in the 2026 assembly elections. The seat is witnessing a triangular contest with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) fielding M P Alavi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominating Lijoy Paul, and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) putting forward its candidate.
Key Candidates and Their Backgrounds
M P Alavi is a seasoned politician representing the Left. He has been active in local politics and enjoys strong support from the LDF cadre. Lijoy Paul, the BJP candidate, has been working to expand the party's footprint in the region. The Congress candidate is also a prominent figure in the constituency.
Electoral Dynamics
The Mankada seat has historically been a stronghold of the Left, but the BJP has made significant inroads in recent years. The 2026 election is expected to be closely contested, with all three major alliances leaving no stone unturned. Key issues include infrastructure development, employment, and local governance.
- LDF's Strategy: The Left is banking on its welfare schemes and grassroots connect to retain the seat.
- BJP's Campaign: The BJP is focusing on nationalistic themes and development promises to attract voters.
- UDF's Challenge: The Congress-led alliance is highlighting failures of the state government and promising better governance.
Voter Sentiment
Voters in Mankada are keen on issues like road connectivity, drinking water supply, and educational facilities. The candidates have been conducting extensive door-to-door campaigns to address these concerns. The election is seen as a litmus test for the popularity of the ruling LDF government in Kerala.
Previous Election Results
In the last assembly election, the LDF won the Mankada seat with a comfortable margin. However, the BJP has been steadily increasing its vote share, making the 2026 contest more competitive. The UDF aims to reclaim its lost ground.
- 2016: LDF won with over 50% votes.
- 2021: LDF retained seat with reduced margin.
- 2026: Expected to be a three-way fight.
Campaign Highlights
All candidates have been actively campaigning, with star campaigners from respective parties visiting the constituency. The Left has organized public meetings highlighting its achievements, while the BJP has focused on the failures of the state government. The Congress is projecting itself as a viable alternative.
The election in Mankada is crucial for all parties as it reflects the broader political trends in Kerala. The results will be declared on the scheduled date, and the winning candidate will represent the constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
