Kannur, Kerala: The Peravoor election 2026 is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle in the politically sensitive Kannur district. Former health minister and CPI(M) leader K K Shailaja has been fielded in the Peravoor Assembly constituency, a seat long held by Congress leader Sunny Joseph, to reclaim the area for the Left.

Shailaja’s Bid to Reclaim Peravoor

Shailaja, widely regarded as one of Kerala’s most effective ministers during her tenure in the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, emphasized that the CPI(M) fields candidates not only for easy victories but also to regain lost constituencies. “I have won from this constituency in 2006, and it is not an impossible task,” she told .

Her work during the Nipah outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic earned her both national and global recognition. Despite her absence from the second Vijayan cabinet, Shailaja remains a grassroots-connected leader, hoping to sway voters in the Peravoor election 2026 with her proven track record and local roots.

Contest Between Shailaja and Sunny Joseph

Sunny Joseph, the sitting MLA and KPCC president, is seeking a fourth consecutive term in the Peravoor election 2026. However, his shrinking victory margins in recent elections—just over 3,000 votes in 2021 compared to more than 7,000 in 2016—suggest growing challenges.

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Shailaja lost narrowly to Joseph in 2011 by about 2,700 votes and is optimistic about overturning that result this year. “I am a native of Peravoor, and the people know my work. I am confident they will rally behind me,” she said.

NDA Candidate Enters the Fray

The BJP-led NDA has fielded Paily Vathiattu of BDJS, who brings his experience as a local self-government representative to the campaign. Vathiattu expressed confidence in challenging both Shailaja and Joseph in the Peravoor election 2026, citing development and addressing human-animal conflict as his key priorities.

The region faces significant challenges from wild animals destroying crops, with incidents in areas such as Aralam Farm resulting in loss of life and property. Vathiattu criticized both the incumbent MLA and the present government for inadequate measures to protect farmers.

Key Issues and Outlook

With the Peravoor election 2026 scheduled for April 9, political observers are closely watching whether Shailaja can break the Congress stronghold or if Sunny Joseph will secure a fourth term. The outcome may hinge on voter perceptions of governance, development, and the candidates’ ability to address pressing local issues such as human-animal conflict and agricultural support.

The constituency’s sizable Christian migrant farmer population, mainly from Travancore, adds another layer to the dynamics of this high-stakes contest