Sat Jan 17 14:31:12 UTC 2026: ### IUML and Congress in Kerala Face Off Over Thiruvambady Seat Ahead of Assembly Polls

The Story:
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Congress party are locked in a dispute over the Thiruvambady constituency in Kozhikode district, Kerala, ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls. The Congress is pushing for a seat swap, aiming to field a candidate they believe would better resonate with the influential Christian electorate. The IUML, however, is adamant about retaining the constituency, citing favorable electoral trends from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the December 2025 local body polls. The constituency has a history of close contests and shifting allegiances between the UDF (United Democratic Front) and LDF (Left Democratic Front).

Key Points:

  • The Congress wants to contest the Thiruvambady seat, believing their candidate would appeal to the Christian voters.
  • The IUML insists on retaining the seat, citing strong performance in recent elections.
  • The IUML Kozhikode district president M.A. Razak Master denies any formal discussions about swapping the seat.
  • The UDF currently controls five out of six grama panchayats in the constituency.
  • The Assembly segment falls under the Wayanad parliamentary constituency, represented by All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
  • The last time Congress contested the Thiruvambady seat was in 1987.

Critical Analysis:

The IUML’s refusal to concede the Thiruvambady seat, despite Congress’s efforts, underscores the delicate power dynamics within the UDF coalition. The IUML’s confidence is likely bolstered by its assessment of recent electoral victories.

Key Takeaways:

  • Seat-sharing negotiations within the UDF coalition in Kerala are tense, reflecting differing electoral strategies and demographic considerations.
  • The Thiruvambady constituency is a crucial battleground where the Congress and the IUML are vying for dominance.
  • The outcome of the Thiruvambady seat negotiations could have broader implications for the UDF’s unity and electoral prospects in the upcoming Assembly polls.

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