A major political shift appears underway in Perambra constituency, long considered a Left stronghold, as results of the Kerala Legislative Assembly election continue to emerge.
Fathima Thahliya has effectively sealed victory, maintaining a lead of 30,245 votes as counting enters its final stages. The constituency, which has backed the LDF consistently for decades, is witnessing a significant turnaround in favor of the UDF this time.
The Controversy that Followed the Counting Process
Despite the strong performance, the counting process has not been without controversy. Allegations and disputes surrounding the counting centre have dominated headlines. The incident occurred at the JDT Islam School in Vellimadukunnu, where a room adjacent to the strong room, where voting machines were stored, was reportedly opened by officials without informing candidates or their agents, according to UDF claims.
UDF workers, who noticed the development through CCTV footage, alerted party leadership, triggering protests and intensifying political tensions. However, even as controversies unfold, the voter mandate in Perambra continues to favor Thahliya. The UDF had earlier asserted that campaign-phase controversies and alleged communal narratives did not influence voters in the constituency.
In the initial hours of counting, LDF candidate T.P. Ramakrishnan had taken the lead. However, the margin shifted dramatically within hours, leading to a tightly contested race before Thahliya surged ahead decisively.
Perambra, which has supported the LDF since 1980, witnessed one of its most intense electoral battles this year. With a lead exceeding 20,000 votes at this stage, it is virtually impossible for the LDF to bridge the gap. Meanwhile, UDF workers in the constituency have begun preparations to celebrate Thahliya’s victory.
The Electoral Journey and the Cyberattacks
UDF candidate Fathima Thahiliya’s electoral journey in the Perambra constituency was marked not only by a fierce political contest but also by intense online harassment and controversy.
Soon after her candidature was announced, Thahiliya became the target of coordinated cyberattacks, with her social media platforms inundated with sexually coloured, derogatory, and abusive comments. Much of the online abuse focused on her identity as a young Muslim woman wearing a hijab, with critics questioning her capability to contest elections.
Responding to the attacks, Thahiliya stated that such harassment was not new to her. She recalled facing similar online abuse during previous local body elections in Kozhikode, highlighting a pattern of targeted digital hostility.
The campaign period also witnessed a political controversy dubbed the “Kauminte Kutti” row. Allegations surfaced that campaign vehicles linked to the LDF referred to her as a “community candidate” in public announcements. The UDF accused its rivals of attempting to communalise the election by framing her candidature around religious identity, a move that sparked backlash and led to complaints being filed with the Election Commission.
Despite these challenges, Thahiliya maintained a strong campaign presence. Defying both online abuse and political controversies, she emerged as a formidable contender and ultimately secured victory in Perambra, signalling a significant political shift in a constituency long dominated by the LDF.
