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Independent T K Govindan Master secured a victory in the Taliparamba constituency during the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, defeating CPI(M)'s P K Shyamala Teacher by 12,551 votes. This win marks a shift from the 2021 election where the LDF candidate retained the seat. The BJP's influence in the politically aware electorate of Taliparamba is noted as slowly increasing.

Eleven women secured seats in the state legislative assembly, with six being first-time winners and four returning for a second term. Geetha Gopi, a three-time winner, is the most experienced among them. Notable victories included Usha Vijayan and Vidya Balakrishnan defeating sitting male ministers, and Fathima Tahaliya unseating the LDF convenor.

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

The Congress-led UDF has returned to power in Kerala after a decade, securing 102 seats in the 140-member assembly due to a strong anti-incumbency wave against the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The BJP achieved a notable breakthrough, winning three seats, while the LDF faced a significant rout attributed to public anger over perceived authoritarianism.

Taliparamba, a CPM stronghold for decades, faces an unusual political challenge. Internal dissent has emerged as a former CPM leader contests as an independent, backed by the opposition. This move aims to split traditional CPM votes. While the CPM remains confident in its cadre loyalty, voter reactions suggest an unpredictable situation.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan dismissed the departure of T K Govindan from the party as a non-issue, labeling him an 'opportunist' and 'class traitor.' Vijayan asserted that the public would reject such individuals. He also criticized the opposition for spreading falsehoods and accused their aides of tarnishing the cultural sector, with the opposition leader's alleged consent.

Rebel candidates, leadership friction and multiple fault lines are emerging across Kerala’s political landscape. Together, they pose a serious test for LDF’s bid for a third straight term

With nominations finalized and withdrawals complete, Kerala's electoral landscape is set for multi-cornered contests with 890 candidates. Symbol allocation has sparked controversy, impacting campaign strategies. The final voter list shows 2.71 crore electors, including overseas voters. Congress rebels in Thrissur and Kuttanad have withdrawn nominations after party assurances.

CPM expelled senior leader T K Govindan after he levelled allegations against the leadership and announced his independent candidacy against the party's nominee. The party dismissed his claims as baseless and accused him of succumbing to parliamentary opportunism. Govindan, however, asserted that truth will eventually prevail over lies.

Among the matters he raised were how the allegations, which had surfaced against Shyamala in connection with the suicide of expat businessman Sajan when she was chairperson of Anthoor municipality, were handled and the lack of auditing of party funds collected and spent for ‘happiness festival' under the leadership of the CPM state secretary in his constituency.