Kerala assembly polls: IUML records best ever tally, bests Cong, CPM in strike rate

Kozhikode: IUML, the second largest constituent in UDF, has scripted its strongest-ever performance in the assembly elections, winning 22 out of the 27 seats it contested — an impressive strike rate that surpasses even that of Congress and CPM among the major political parties. The result, which surpassed its previous best performance of 20 seats in 2011, cements the IUML's position as the third-largest party in the assembly after Congress and CPM, once again underscoring its central role in powering UDF victories. The scale of the win is reflected not just in seat count but in margins and territorial spread. IUML retained all 15 seats it had won in the previous election and added seven more — Tanur, Kozhikode South, Kuttiady, Thiruvambady, Perambra, Kunnamangalam and Kalamassery — expanding beyond its traditional strongholds. Perambra marked a historic first for the party, while the other constituencies were reclaimed after a gap. In Malappuram, the party's citadel, IUML swept all seats in an emphatic performance. Senior leader P K Kunhalikutty recorded the highest margin in the state, winning by 85,327 votes. The party crossed the 50,000-vote margin mark in several constituencies, including Kondotty, Manjeri, Vallikkunnu, Tirurangadi and Kottakkal, underlining the depth of its support. The victory in Tanur carried additional political weight, as IUML wrested the seat back from the LDF — previously held by minister V Abdurahiman — with MSF state president P K Nawaz scripting a landmark win. Meanwhile, IUML narrowly lost in Azhikode (by 349 votes), Koothuparamba (1,286 votes) and Guruvayur (1,998 votes), while also putting up strong performances in Chelakkara and Punalur. Equally significant in the victory was the party's push to recalibrate its image and expand its social reach. For the first time, IUML succeeded in sending a woman legislator to the assembly, with Fathima Thahiliya winning from Perambra. The party fielded a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, including 10 new candidates, while dropping several sitting MLAs, signalling a generational shift. It also attempted to widen its appeal beyond its traditional base by consciously reaching out to other communities. This calibrated strategy was backed by a political reading of the moment. As CPM was found dithering in its stand on minority-sensitive issues, IUML consolidated its position as the principal political voice of the Muslim community while simultaneously projecting a broader, inclusive appeal. The party's restrained campaign approach also played a role. It largely avoided aggressive rhetoric even in the face of communally-coloured remarks from the likes of SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said that the party has recorded its best ever performance in history. "We had given word that we would make a complete sweep of Malappuram and we have achieved it. During the local body elections, we ensured that there is no opposition by winning all seats and now UDF has repeated it in the assembly seats in Malappuram," said IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal.