Keralam Elections 2026: CPM Rebel Challenges Party's Unbroken Dominance In Payyanur

Payyanur, in Kerala's Kannur district hold the distinction of never sending anyone other than a CPM member to the Assembly. This time, there is a possibility that this could change. The trend faces a challenge in the form of a rebellion within the party. Earlier this year, V Kunhikrishnan, a veteran leader who has been with the CPM for over five decades published a book titled Nethruthwathe Anikal Thiruthanam, or 'The Ranks Should Correct The Leadership'. The book alleges large scale financial irregularities by senior CPM leaders including sitting MLA T I Madhosoodhanan. The allegations include the misappropriation of funds collected for the family of a 38-year-old CPM activist who was killed in 2016. The party denied the allegations and expelled Kunhikrishnan. Undeterred, he has thrown his hat into the ring as an independent and is now being supported by the UDF.