Unexpected Triumph: Kunhikrishnan's Victory in Payyannur

In a surprising political victory, P V Kunhikrishnan, formerly of CPI(M), won the Payyannur seat with UDF support in the 2026 Kerala Assembly election. He defeated CPI(M) candidate T I Madhusoodanan after alleging corruption issues within the party. Kunhikrishnan emphasized the need for CPI(M) leadership to make corrections.

In a stunning political upset, P V Kunhikrishnan, ousted from CPI(M) for alleging internal corruption, claimed victory in the Payyannur constituency during the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. This win, achieved with the backing of the United Democratic Front (UDF), underscores a shift in local political dynamics.

Kunhikrishnan contested as a UDF-supported Independent, defeating the CPI(M) incumbent MLA, T I Madhusoodanan, by a substantial margin of 7,487 votes. His victory marks a significant breach in what was considered a CPI(M) stronghold, reflecting voters' desire for change.

Post-election, Kunhikrishnan highlighted the imperative for the CPI(M) leadership to heed the electoral message and implement necessary corrections. Thanking UDF for their support, he emphasized the collective effort that led to this unexpected victory.