Kerala Election Results: Wayanad has delivered one of its most surprising results, with Congress leader Usha Vijayan defeating CPM veteran and sitting minister O.R. Kelu and ending the long undefeated streak of a leader who had never lost an election.
The result is unbelievable not just because of the margin, but because of who won and where. A grassroots woman leader has unseated a sitting minister in Mananthavady which is an ST-reserved constituency that has long been a CPM stronghold.
Mananthavady’s politics is deeply shaped by its Adivasi population, with issues like land rights, livelihoods, welfare access and representation dominating public discourse. Elections here are often decided by trust and local connect which is something Kelu had built over the years with the people.
From a ward member in Thirunelli to panchayat president, block panchayat member, MLA and eventually minister, Kelu’s rise was marked by uninterrupted victories. He defeated P.K. Jayalakshmi in both 2016 and 2021, strengthening his hold over the constituency.
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However, this election saw something different. Usha Vijayan, known for her steady success in local politics, ran a quiet but effective campaign. She focused on meeting people, listening to local concerns, and quietly building support across the constituency.
When the votes were counted, Kelu lost by 10,543 votes. For the Left, it came as a shock. For Usha, it marked a breakthrough moment. The impact of this result is likely to resonate among CPM supporters for a long time.
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Within the CPM, leaders have pointed to anti-incumbency seen across the state. At the same time, some voices within the party have raised concerns about internal issues and gaps in local mobilisation.