KPCC president and sitting MLA Sunny Joseph has retained the Peravoor Assembly seat, defeating LDF’s K K Shailaja by a margin of 14,453 votes in a closely watched contest.

Joseph secured 76,140 votes, while Shailaja polled 61,687. Although the early rounds of counting briefly favoured Shailaja, Joseph moved ahead soon after and maintained a steady lead through most of the counting.

Reacting to the win, Joseph said the result reflected a broader mandate in favour of the UDF. “The people of Kerala have delivered a historic verdict. We thank everyone for this thumping victory. This is a response to the anti-people policies of the LDF,” he said.

The contest had its share of political undercurrents during the campaign. Reports suggesting Joseph’s alleged role in internal party discussions around K Sudhakaran’s candidature had sparked speculation that it could affect his support base. However, these concerns did not appear to translate into a significant electoral setback, with Joseph maintaining a comfortable lead through much of the counting.

For the CPM, Shailaja’s candidature was seen as a key attempt to reclaim the seat. A senior leader and former minister, she entered the fray after her defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and her exclusion from the 2021 cabinet. Having shifted from her earlier stronghold of Mattannur, the contest was viewed as a test of her continued electoral appeal. The loss marks her second defeat in Peravoor.

Local dynamics also played a role in shaping the outcome. The Kerala Independent Farmers Association is believed to have leaned towards the UDF, while issues in Aralam — particularly recurring human-wildlife conflict — appear to have strengthened Joseph’s position among sections of voters.

The campaign saw both fronts intensifying efforts in the final stretch, with senior leaders stepping in to energise their bases. While the NDA was not a primary contender, its presence and existing vote share remained a factor in influencing margins.

The Joseph–Shailaja rivalry has been central to Peravoor’s political landscape for years. Shailaja first won the seat in 2006, while Joseph turned the tables in 2011, setting up a closely fought contest in subsequent elections.

Joseph’s victory this time reinforces his hold over the constituency, even as Peravoor continues to remain one of Kannur’s most closely watched and competitive seats.