Kerala elections: IUML’s A.K.M. Ashraf Wins Manjeshwar by 29,252 Votes

Kerala elections: IUML’s A.K.M. Ashraf Wins Manjeshwar by 29,252 Votes

Mangalore Today News Network

Kasaragod, May 4, 2026: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) candidate A.K.M. Ashraf registered a decisive victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections from the Manjeshwar constituency, defeating BJP candidate K. Surendran by a margin of 29,252 votes. CPI(M)’s K.R. Jayananda was also in the fray.

The result marks a significant victory for the IUML-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in one of north Kerala’s most closely watched constituencies. Manjeshwar, located in Kasaragod district along the Kerala-Karnataka border, is the northernmost Assembly constituency in the state and forms part of the Kasaragod Lok Sabha segment.

Known for its coastal geography and socially diverse electorate, Manjeshwar has long been regarded as a politically sensitive constituency with intense multi-cornered contests. The seat has traditionally witnessed fierce battles between the IUML-led UDF and the BJP, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has also maintained a notable presence.

The constituency attracted statewide attention in recent elections because of razor-thin victory margins, making it a major political battleground during every poll season. However, this time Ashraf secured a comfortable lead, signalling a strong mandate in favour of the UDF in the constituency.