UDF’s landslide victory in Idukki constituency shows shifting of political votes

The massive victory of the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in the Idukki Assembly constituency indicates a significant return of Kerala Congress (M) votes to the UDF fold. Following extensive discussions prior to the Assembly election, the Congress party took over the Idukki seat from the Kerala Congress (Joseph faction) and fielded Congress leader Roy K. Paulose.

Mr. Paulose won by a record margin of 23,822 votes against the LDF candidate and Kerala Congress (M) leader Roshy Augustine. In the final tally, Mr Paulose secured 70,562 votes (54.93%), while Mr. Augustine secured 46,740 votes (36.39%). NDA candidate Adv. Pratheesh Prabha trailed with 9,410 votes (7.33%).

According to Congress leaders, Mr. Augustine held the seat from 2001 to 2021 with the support of UDF voters. Even in the 2021 election, a portion of the UDF vote base reportedly ensured his victory after he moved to the LDF fold. However, in this 2026 election, those Kerala Congress (M) votes moved decisively back to the UDF, resulting in a landslide defeat for Mr. Augustine.

KPCC General Secretary Ibrahimkutty Kallar noted that the result signals a homecoming for traditional voters. “Original Kerala Congress (M) members are traditionally Congress supporters. Their votes have finally returned to the UDF. We saw this trend beginning in the local body elections, and it has now been repeated in the Assembly election,” said Mr Kallar.

Party sources noted that both the UDF and LDF had expected a narrow margin of victory in Idukki. The record-breaking win for the UDF candidate underscores a major shift in the constituency’s voting patterns.

Mr. Augustine previously represented the constituency under the UDF banner in the 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 elections, before switching to the LDF for the 2021 and 2026 polls. He also served as the Water Resources Minister in the LDF government from 2021 to 2026.

Kerala Congress (M) District President Jose Palathinal admitted that their votes migrated to the UDF this term but attributed it to a broader political climate. “This happened due to a UDF wave in the State. Even LDF votes shifted to the UDF in Idukki,” Mr Palathinal said. “The Kerala Congress (M) has over 15,000 core votes in Idukki. They will stay with us, and we will return with a record margin in the next election. Our political base remains strong.” Said Mr Palathinal.

The Idukki constituency largely comprises settled farmers, with the Idukki Diocese under the Syro-Malabar Church remaining the most influential factor in local politics.