Election – Haripad Constituency Becomes Key Contest in Kerala Assembly Polls
Election – The Haripad constituency in Kerala’s Alappuzha district is drawing significant political attention as the state prepares to vote for its 140-member Assembly on April 9.
Haripad, long regarded as a reliable base for the Congress party, is once again at the center of a closely watched contest. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who has represented the seat for decades, is seeking another term as the candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF). His political journey in the constituency dates back to 1982, and over the years he has established a strong electoral presence, including securing consecutive victories in recent elections.
Changing Political Landscape in Haripad
Despite its reputation as a Congress stronghold, Haripad lies within the Onattukara region, an area traditionally influenced by Left-leaning politics. This has contributed to a dynamic political environment where electoral outcomes are shaped by both historical loyalties and emerging trends.
In recent years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its efforts in the constituency, adding a new dimension to the contest. The party’s increased campaign activity suggests that Haripad is no longer a straightforward battle between the UDF and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), but a more competitive three-way race.
Key Candidates in the Fray
The 2026 Assembly election in Haripad features prominent candidates from all major alliances. Ramesh Chennithala represents the UDF, while the LDF has fielded TT Jismon as its candidate. The BJP’s Sandeep Vachaspathi is contesting on behalf of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The presence of high-profile leaders and intensified campaigning efforts from all sides indicates the importance attached to this constituency. The NDA, in particular, has been actively mobilizing support, with senior leaders participating in campaign events to strengthen its position.
Past Results Reflect Strong Congress Base
Historical election data highlights Chennithala’s consistent performance in Haripad. In the 2021 Assembly election, he secured 72,768 votes, defeating his nearest rival from the LDF by a margin of 13,666 votes. The trend was even more pronounced in 2016, when he won by over 18,000 votes.
These results underline the Congress leader’s strong connection with voters in the constituency. However, changing political dynamics and the growing presence of other parties suggest that past margins may not necessarily predict future outcomes.
Statewide Context and Electoral Stakes
The Haripad contest is part of a broader political battle unfolding across Kerala. The UDF is attempting to regain power from the CPI(M)-led LDF, which has governed the state for nearly a decade. The outcome in key constituencies like Haripad could play a crucial role in determining the overall balance of power in the Assembly.
Voting for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections is scheduled for April 9, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4. The current Assembly’s tenure is set to conclude on May 23.
Voter Participation and Demographics
The scale of the election is significant, with approximately 2.7 crore voters expected to participate. According to the final electoral roll released after revision, the state has over 2.69 crore registered voters. This includes more than 1.31 crore male voters, over 1.38 crore female voters, and a small number of third-gender voters.
A notable segment of the electorate consists of young voters aged between 18 and 19, numbering over 4.24 lakh. Their participation is expected to influence the electoral outcome in several constituencies, including Haripad.
As polling day approaches, Haripad stands out as a constituency where traditional political loyalties, emerging competition, and voter sentiment are likely to converge, making it one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the state.