NewKerala.com

Kerala's Haripad: Chennithala Faces Tough 3-Way Fight in Key Assembly Poll

The Haripad constituency in Kerala's Alappuzha district is a key battleground in the upcoming assembly elections. Veteran Congress leader and incumbent MLA Ramesh Chennithala is facing a strong triangular contest against LDF candidate TT Jismon and BJP's Sandeep Vachaspathi. Historically a Congress stronghold, the seat is witnessing increased BJP activity, signaling a more competitive environment. Polling for the 140-member Kerala Assembly will be held on April 9, with the UDF aiming to unseat the incumbent LDF government.

Key Points: Haripad Assembly Poll: Chennithala vs Jismon vs Vachaspathi

  • Veteran Ramesh Chennithala seeks re-election
  • Faces LDF's TT Jismon & BJP's Sandeep Vachaspathi
  • Constituency sees shifting political dynamics
  • BJP mounting aggressive campaign with top leaders
2 min read

Keralam polls: UDF veteran Ramesh Chennithala faces 3-way contest in Haripad

Veteran Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala faces a triangular contest from LDF's TT Jismon and BJP's Sandeep Vachaspathi in Kerala's Haripad constituency.

"Haripad has emerged as a high-stakes battleground. - Report"

Alappuzha, April 6

As Keralam prepares to vote for its 140-member Assembly on April 9, the Haripad constituency in Alappuzha district has emerged as a high-stakes battleground.

Currently represented by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, Haripad has long been a stronghold of the party. Chennithala, a former Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, first won the seat in 1982 and has since cemented his dominance, winning multiple terms, including his third consecutive victory in 2021. He is once again contesting as the UDF candidate, aiming to retain the constituency.

Located in Kerala's Alappuzha district within the traditionally Left-leaning Onattukara region, Haripad is witnessing shifting political dynamics. While historically influenced by Left politics, the constituency has recently seen increased activity from the BJP, signalling a more competitive electoral environment.

In the 2026 Assembly election, Haripad is firmly in the spotlight. Chennithala faces a strong contest from LDF candidate TT Jismon and BJP's Sandeep Vachaspathi, with the NDA mounting an aggressive campaign that includes visits from top leadership.

Past election results highlight Chennithala's strong performance. In 2021, he secured 72,768 votes, defeating LDF's R Sajilal, who polled 59,102 votes a margin of 13,666. In 2016, he won by an even larger margin of 18,621 votes, receiving 75,980 votes against LDF candidate P. Prasad's 57,359.

Polling for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current Assembly ends on May 23.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is seeking to unseat the incumbent CPI(M)-led LDF government in the 140-member Assembly. The LDF has been in power in the state for around a decade.

Around 2.7 crore voters are expected to take part in the election. The final electoral roll, released on February 21 after a Special Intensive Revision, includes 2,69,53,644 voters -- 1,31,26,048 male voters, 1,38,27,319 female voters, and 227 third-gender voters. Among them, 4,24,518 are in the 18-19 age group.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Interesting to see BJP making inroads in a traditional UDF vs LDF arena. A strong third front is healthy for democracy. Voters finally have more than two choices. Let's see if development agenda wins over old loyalties.
A
Arun Y
While I respect Chennithala's long service, maybe it's time for a change? 40+ years is a very long time for one person to hold a seat. Fresh perspectives from younger candidates could benefit Haripad. Just my two paise.
P
Priyanka N
The real fight is between UDF and LDF for the state. These high-profile constituency battles are where the government will be decided. Kerala needs stable governance, not political drama. Hope people vote wisely.
M
Michael C
Following Kerala politics from outside. The demographic details are impressive - over 2.6 crore voters, good gender ratio. The inclusion of third-gender voters officially is a progressive step. Hope the election is peaceful and fair.
K
Karthik V
The margins from 2016 and 2021 show Chennithala's grip is strong, but not unchallenged. The LDF vote share has been consistent. BJP's entry could split the anti-incumbent vote. It's all about voter turnout now. April 9 is D-day!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50