Kerala Results: Usha Vijayan Upsets CPM Minister O.R. Kelu in Wayanad’s Mananthavady Seat
Thiruvananthapuram, May 4: In one of the most unexpected outcomes of the Kerala Assembly elections, Usha Vijayan of the Indian National Congress defeated sitting minister O. R. Kelu of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the Mananthavady constituency in Wayanad district.
The result ends Kelu’s long unbeaten electoral record and marks a significant shift in a constituency traditionally considered a stronghold of the Left.
Mananthavady, a Scheduled Tribe-reserved seat, has historically seen politics shaped by issues such as land rights, welfare access and local representation. Analysts say electoral outcomes here often depend on grassroots engagement and trust within the Adivasi community.
Kelu, who rose through local governance structures from ward member to minister, had maintained a strong presence in the constituency through successive victories, including wins in 2016 and 2021.
However, this election saw a shift. Vijayan, known for her local-level political work, ran a campaign focused on direct outreach and constituency-level issues. Her approach, centred on sustained engagement rather than high-profile campaigning, appears to have resonated with voters.
According to official results, Vijayan secured victory by a margin of 10,543 votes, a result that has drawn attention across the state’s political spectrum.
Within the Left, leaders have attributed the loss partly to anti-incumbency trends observed in several constituencies. At the same time, internal discussions have pointed to concerns around organisational gaps and local mobilisation.
Conclusion
The Mananthavady result underscores the continued importance of grassroots politics in Kerala, where local connect and constituency-level engagement can influence outcomes even in established strongholds.
Our Final Thoughts
The upset highlights how electoral outcomes in regional strongholds remain sensitive to local dynamics. Even established leaders can face reversals when voter expectations shift at the grassroots level