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Azhikode Assembly constituency
Azhikode Assembly constituency
Azhikode Assembly constituency
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Azhikode State assembly constituency is one of the 140 state legislative assembly constituencies in Kerala in southern India. It is also one of the seven state legislative assembly constituencies included in Kannur Lok Sabha constituency.[1] As of the 2021 assembly elections, the current MLA is K. V. Sumesh of CPI(M).

Key Information

Local self-governed segments

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Azhikode Assembly constituency is composed of the following 15 wards of the Kannur Municipal Corporation (Pallikunnu zone and Puzhathi zone) in Kannur Taluk, and five Gram Panchayats in the same Taluk:[2]

Wards of Kannur Municipal Corporation in Azhikode Constituency
Ward no. Name Ward no. Name Ward no. Name
1 Palliyammoola 2 Kunnav 3 Kokkenpara
4 Pallikunnu 5 Talap 6 Udayamkunnu
7 Podikundu 8 Kottali 9 Athazhakunnu
10 Kakkad 11 Thulicheri 12 Kakkad North
13 Shadulippalli 54 Chalad 55 Panjikkayil
Other Local Bodies in Azhikode Constituency
Name Local Body Type Taluk
Azhikode Grama panchayat Kannur
Chirakkal Grama panchayat Kannur
Narath Grama panchayat Kannur
Pappinisseri Grama panchayat Kannur
Valappattanam Grama panchayat Kannur

Members of Legislative Assembly

[edit]

The following list contains all members of Kerala Legislative Assembly who have represented Azhikode Assembly constituency during the period of various assemblies:[3]

Key

  CPI(M)   CMP   IUML

Election Niyama
Sabha 		Member Party Tenure
1977 5th Chadayan Govindan CPI(M) 1977–1980
1980 6th P. Devootty 1980–1982
1982 7th 1982–1987
1987 8th M. V. Raghavan CMP 1987–1991
1991 9th E. P. Jayarajan CPI(M) 1991–1996
1996 10th T. K. Balan 1996–2001
2001 11th 2001–2005
2005* M. Prakashan Master 2005–2006
2006 12th 2006–2011
2011 13th K. M. Shaji IUML 2011–2016
2016 14th 2016-2021
2021 15th K. V. Sumesh CPI(M) Incumbent

Election results

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Percentage change (±%) denotes the change in the number of votes from the immediate previous election.

2021

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There were 181,562 registered voters in Azhikode Assembly constituency for the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election.[4][5]

2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election: Azhikode
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
CPI(M) KV Sumesh 65.794 45.41 Increase2.44
IUML K.M. Shaji 59,653 41.17 Decrease3.41
BJP K. Ranjith 15,741 10.86 Increase1.97
SDPI Abdul Jabbar K.K 2,357 1.63 Increase0.43
NOTA None of the above 517 0.36 Increase0.04
Independent K.M. Shaji (Mamba) 277 0.19 N/A
SUCI(C) Resmi Ravi 226 0.16 N/A
Independent Sumesh M 180 0.12 N/A
Independent Prasad V.P 104 0.07 N/A
Independent Pavithran Kurikkalat 48 0.03 N/A
Majority 6,141 4.24 Increase2.63
Turnout 144,897 79.8 Decrease2.11
Registered electors 181,562
CPIM gain from IUML Swing

2016

[edit]

There were 1,72,757 registered voters in Azhikode Constituency for the 2016 Kerala Assembly election.[6]

2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election: Azhikode
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
IUML K. M. Shaji 63,082 44.58% Decrease0.63
CPI(M) M. V. Nikesh Kumar 60,795 42.97% Decrease1.83
BJP A. V. Kesavan 12,580 8.89% Increase2.70
SDPI K. K. Abdul Jabbar 1,705 1.20% N/A
Independent P. K. Ragesh 1,518 1.07% N/A
WPOI M. Joseph John 687 0.49% N/A
NOTA None of the above 453 0.32% N/A
SUCI(C) P. C. Vivek 235 0.17% Decrease0.17
Independent Shaji K. M. Tholambra 196 0.14% N/A
Independent K. M. Shaji, Mamba 160 0.11% N/A
Independent Prasad V. P. 87 0.06% N/A
Margin of victory 2,287 1.61% Increase1.20
Turnout 1,41,498 81.91% Decrease0.53
IUML hold Swing Decrease0.63

2011

[edit]

There were 1,47,782 registered voters in Azhikode Constituency for the 2011 Kerala Assembly election.[7]

2011 Kerala Legislative Assembly election: Azhikode
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
IUML K. M. Shaji 55,077 45.21%
CPI(M) M. Prakashan Master 54,584 44.80%
BJP M. K. Saseendran Master 7,540 6.19%
Independent Noushad Punnakkal 2,935 2.41%
Independent Shaji K. M. 602 0.49%
BSP C. Balakrishnan 458 0.38%
SUCI(C) Paul T. Samuel 414 0.34%
Independent Prakashan Kuzhiparambil 222 0.18%
Margin of victory 493 0.41%
Turnout 1,21,832 82.44%
IUML gain from CPI(M) Swing

See also

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Azhikode Assembly constituency

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from Grokipedia
Azhikode Assembly constituency is one of the 140 constituencies of the , situated in the coastal of northern , . It forms part of the and is classified as a general category seat, encompassing areas such as Azhikode Grama Panchayat with a population engaged primarily in , coconut cultivation, and related coastal activities. The constituency has approximately 175,962 registered electors as of the 2021 election, reflecting a demographic with a notable Muslim community influencing its political dynamics. Elections here have historically featured tight contests between the (LDF), dominated by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and the United Democratic Front (UDF), spearheaded by the (IUML), with margins often under 5% of valid votes. In the , K. V. Sumesh of the CPI(M) won the seat with 65,794 votes, defeating IUML's by 6,141 votes and securing the LDF's representation in the 15th Assembly. This victory marked a change from the 2016 outcome, where IUML's had prevailed by a slender 2,287 votes.

Geography and Demographics

Location and Boundaries

Azhikode Assembly constituency is situated in , in the northern coastal region of , , within Kannur taluk. It forms part of the Kannur parliamentary constituency and encompasses areas along the shoreline, including villages and settlements with access to coastal features such as beaches and estuaries. The boundaries of the constituency were delineated by the under Order No. 9 dated May 31, 2005, and took effect for elections from 2008 onward. It comprises the following seven grama panchayats in Kannur taluk:
  • Azhikode
  • Chirakkal
  • Narath
  • Pallikkunnu
  • Pappinisseri
  • Puzhathi
  • Valapattanam
These administrative units define the territorial extent, covering a mix of rural coastal and semi-urban areas with no subsequent alterations reported in official records.

Population Characteristics and Socio-Economic Profile

The Azhikode assembly constituency features a population profile marked by high literacy and a sex ratio skewed toward females, consistent with broader trends in coastal Kannur district. In Azhikode North census town, the 2011 census reported a total population of 22,128, comprising 10,157 males and 11,971 females, yielding a sex ratio of 1,179 females per 1,000 males. Literacy stood at 96.7% overall, with male literacy at 98.1% and female at 95.6%. In adjacent Azhikode South census town, the population was 25,195 (11,369 males, 13,826 females), with a sex ratio of 1,216 and literacy rate of 97.4% (male 98.7%, female 96.4%). Child sex ratios (ages 0-6) were 923 in the north and 975 in the south, below the adult ratios but above the national average. Scheduled Castes form a notable portion of the population, at 7.8% (1,722 persons) in Azhikode North and 3.6% (917 persons) in Azhikode South, supporting the constituency's reservation for Scheduled Castes; Scheduled Tribes are negligible at 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. These demographics underscore a community with significant representation from historically marginalized groups, though overall human development indicators align with Kerala's elevated standards, including near-universal and low child shares around 10-11%. Socio-economically, the area displays low reliance on agriculture, with total workers numbering 6,696 in Azhikode North (30.3% of population) and 7,154 in Azhikode South (28.4%), of which main workers predominate at 87-88%. Cultivators and agricultural laborers each constitute under 1-2% of workers, while household industry workers are minimal (1-2%), and the overwhelming majority (over 85%, e.g., 5,707 in the north) fall under other occupations, primarily fishing, trade, and services tied to the coastal economy. This structure reflects seasonal employment patterns, migration for remittances, and limited primary sector dependence, contributing to moderate workforce participation amid Kerala's high per capita income from non-local sources.

Administrative Divisions

Local Self-Governed Segments

The Azhikode Assembly constituency encompasses seven grama panchayats within Kannur taluk, serving as the primary local self-government institutions responsible for decentralized administration, including rural development, public health, education, and infrastructure maintenance under the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994. These bodies are: Azhikode, Chirakkal, Narath, Pallikkunnu, Pappinisseri, Puzhathi, and Valapattanam. Each grama panchayat operates through elected ward members and standing committees, with elections held every five years by the State Election Commission. For example, Azhikode Grama Panchayat features wards such as Azhikkal, Kappakadavu, and others, managed by representatives from parties including IUML and CPI(M) as per the 2020 local body elections. These segments collectively cover rural and semi-urban areas, focusing on issues like management and fisheries support in this coastal constituency.

Political History

Formation and Delimitation Changes

The Azhikode Assembly constituency, numbered 10 in the current scheme, traces its origins to the formation of the in 1956, following the linguistic reorganization of states under the , which created by merging Travancore-Cochin and Malabar districts. Initial delimitation of assembly constituencies, including Azhikode, was conducted to establish 126 seats based on the 1951 census, with subsequent adjustments in 1965 and 1976 to account for population growth and administrative changes. A significant redrawing occurred under the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, enacted pursuant to the Delimitation Act, 2002, and based on the 2001 census to ensure equitable representation reflecting updated population distributions. This process, finalized on May 31, 2005, redefined Azhikode's boundaries to encompass the Azhikode, Chirakkal, Narath, Pallikkunnu, Pappinisseri, Puzhathi, and Valapattanam panchayats within Kannur taluk of . The revisions incorporated coastal and semi-urban areas, altering the constituency's demographic composition from a predominantly rural profile favorable to left-wing parties toward a more mixed electorate, which shifted its political dynamics away from being a consistent stronghold of the . These changes took effect for elections from 2011 onward, increasing the number of assembly seats in Kerala to 140 without altering Azhikode's existence but refining its territorial extent to balance voter numbers across constituencies. No further delimitations have been implemented since, though a state-level commission for local body wards was announced in , separate from assembly boundaries.

Historical Voting Patterns and Shifts

In recent elections, Azhikode has been characterized by tight contests primarily between the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), anchored by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a consistent but minority share. This pattern emerged after the 2008 delimitation, which incorporated areas with higher Muslim populations, shifting the constituency from a traditional CPI(M) stronghold to a more competitive UDF-leaning seat. The saw IUML's win with 47,771 votes (46.08%), edging out CPI(M)'s C. P. Musafar Ahamed's 46,395 votes (44.75%), a margin of 1,376 votes or 1.33 percentage points; BJP's Jaya Sadanandan polled 7,512 votes (7.25%). In 2016, IUML's prevailed with 63,082 votes (44.58%), defeating CPI(M)'s M. V. Nikesh Kumar's 60,795 votes (42.97%) by 2,287 votes or 1.61 percentage points, while BJP's A. V. Kesavan received 12,580 votes (8.89%). A notable shift occurred in the 2021 election, where LDF's K. V. Sumesh captured 65,794 votes (45.41%), overturning the prior UDF dominance against IUML's K. M. Shaji's 59,653 votes (41.17%), with a margin of 6,141 votes or 4.24 points; BJP's K. Ranjith obtained 15,741 votes (10.86%). This reversal marked LDF's first win since delimitation, amid broader state trends favoring incumbent LDF governance, though UDF retained strong second-place finishes. BJP's vote share has steadily risen from 7.25% in to 10.86% in 2021, indicating gradual inroads in a constituency with limited historical NDA presence. has hovered above 70% across these polls, underscoring high engagement in these bipolar races.

Legislative Representation

Members of the Legislative Assembly

K. M. Shaji of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Azhikode in the 2011 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, securing 55,077 votes against M. Prakasan Master of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) who received 54,584 votes. Shaji retained the seat in the 2016 election with 63,082 votes, defeating M. V. Nikesh Kumar of CPI(M) who polled 60,795 votes, by a margin of 2,287 votes. In the 2021 election, K. V. Sumesh of CPI(M) won the constituency with 65,794 votes, defeating the incumbent Shaji (IUML) who received 59,653 votes, by a margin of 6,141 votes. Sumesh currently serves as the MLA for the 15th .
Election YearMLAParty
2011
2016
2021K. V. SumeshCommunist Party of India (Marxist)

Governance and Policy Impacts

K. V. Sumesh of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has represented Azhikode in the since May 2, 2021, contributing to governance under the (LDF) administration. As Chairman of the Assembly's Committee on the Welfare of and Youth Affairs since December 2023, Sumesh has influenced state-level initiatives focused on youth employment, skill development, and extracurricular programs, which extend benefits to the constituency's predominantly young coastal population. Local policy impacts include Sumesh's spearheading of the MLA Cup tournament in 2024, aimed at reviving sports and participation in panchayats, thereby promoting and talent identification among youth amid post-pandemic recovery efforts. This initiative addresses gaps in recreational facilities, fostering community cohesion in a constituency with significant and agricultural communities. Infrastructure development, particularly in maritime sectors, has shaped economic governance, with the Azhikkal Port in Azhikode village receiving sustained investments. A comprehensive Rs. 4,500 crore port modernization project, announced in 2010, sought to expand berthing capacity and handling facilities to support fisheries exports and local trade. More recently, in August 2024, the state approved Rs. 5.5 crore for constructing a godown at the port, enhancing storage for fish products and reducing post-harvest losses for small-scale fishermen. These projects, executed through the Harbour Engineering Department, have bolstered the constituency's fisheries sector, which relies on traditional mechanized boats and contributes to Kerala's marine exports via cooperatives. LDF policies emphasizing welfare schemes, such as educational concessions for fishermen's children and subsidized for boats, have mitigated vulnerabilities in Azhikode's coastal , though challenges like and climate-induced erosion persist without constituency-specific mitigation data. Sumesh's tenure has aligned local advocacy with state priorities, including value-added units planned near Azhikkal to diversify income sources beyond raw catch sales.

Election Results

2011 Election

In the , held on 13 April with results declared on 13 May, of the (IUML), allied with the United Democratic Front (UDF), secured victory in Azhikode constituency by a narrow margin of 493 votes against M. Prakasan Master of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), representing the (LDF). Shaji polled 55,077 votes, accounting for 45.21% of the valid votes cast, while Master received 54,584 votes or 44.80%. The third-place candidate was M. K. Saseendran Master of the (BJP), who garnered 7,540 votes, representing 6.19% of the total. Other contestants included independents and minor party nominees, such as Noushad Punnakkal (independent) with 2,935 votes and C. Balakrishnan of the with 458 votes, but none exceeded 3% of the vote share. The election reflected the constituency's competitive bipolar dynamics between UDF and LDF, with the razor-thin margin underscoring intense local mobilization.
CandidatePartyVotesVote Share (%)
K. M. ShajiIUML (UDF)55,07745.21
M. Prakasan MasterCPI(M) (LDF)54,58444.80
M. K. Saseendran MasterBJP7,5406.19
This outcome contributed to the UDF's statewide victory, forming the government under Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Shaji, a businessman and IUML youth leader, had previously contested but won his first term as MLA from Azhikode.

2016 Election

The for the Azhikode constituency was held on 16 May 2016, coinciding with polls across the state's 140 seats. , contesting for the (IUML) as part of the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance, emerged victorious with 63,082 votes, equivalent to 44.58% of valid votes. His win marked a retention of the seat for the UDF amid the (LDF)'s statewide sweep, which secured a under the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). Shaji defeated the LDF's CPI(M) nominee, , who polled 60,795 votes (42.97%), by a narrow margin of 2,287 votes. The (NDA)'s (BJP) candidate, A. V. Kesavan, finished third with 12,580 votes (8.89%).
CandidatePartyVotesPercentage
IUML63,08244.58
CPI(M)60,79542.97
A. V. KesavanBJP12,5808.89
Results were declared on 19 May 2016, with the notifying the outcomes under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The close contest reflected competitive dynamics in the constituency, characterized by a mix of Muslim, Hindu, and fisherfolk communities, where IUML's organizational strength contributed to the UDF's hold despite the LDF's broader wave against the outgoing Congress-led government.

2021 Election

The in Azhikode constituency, numbered 10 and located in , was conducted on 6 April 2021 alongside statewide polls for the . reached 84.08% among 172,328 registered electors, with 144,380 votes cast. The contest featured candidates from major fronts: K. V. Sumesh of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) for the (LDF), incumbent of the (IUML) for the United Democratic Front (UDF), and K. Ranjith of the (BJP) for the (NDA). Results were declared on 2 May , marking a seat flip from UDF to LDF control compared to , when Shaji had won narrowly. Sumesh emerged victorious with 65,794 votes, defeating Shaji by a margin of 6,141 votes and securing 45.41% vote share. This outcome contributed to the LDF's statewide retention of power, reflecting localized shifts amid broader against the UDF.
CandidatePartyVotesVote Share (%)
K. V. SumeshCPI(M)65,79445.41
IUML59,65341.17
K. RanjithBJP15,74110.86
Abdul Jabbar K. K.SDPI2,3571.63
Other candidates, including independents and smaller parties, polled minimally, with no other exceeding 1% share. Sumesh, a CPI(M) district committee member, assumed office as MLA on 2 May 2021, focusing subsequent legislative activity on local development priorities.

References

  1. https://chanakyya.com/Assembly-Details/Kerala/Azhikode
  2. https://kannur.nic.in/en/constituencies/
  3. https://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/05-REPORTS/04-LAC-LBS.pdf
  4. https://www.firstpost.com/politics/kerala-assembly-election-2021-azhikode-profile-iuml-faces-tough-competition-as-cpm-steps-up-efforts-to-regain-former-stronghold-9347261.html
  5. https://www.indiavotes.com/ac/summary/36537
  6. https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/ConstituencywiseS1110.htm?ac=10
  7. https://www.niyamasabha.nic.in/index.php/content/member_homepage/2367
  8. https://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/pdf/03-DELIMITATION/01-FO-KERALA.pdf
  9. http://keralaassembly.org/election/Delimitation.pdf
  10. https://www.censusindia.co.in/towns/azhikode-north-population-kannur-kerala-627230
  11. https://www.censusindia.co.in/towns/azhikode-south-population-kannur-kerala-627231
  12. https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en/lbelection/electdmemberdet/2020/1135
  13. https://dop.lsgkerala.gov.in/en/node/1027
  14. https://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/election-history/delimitation
  15. https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/in-azhikode-theres-always-room-for-surprise/article34031562.ece
  16. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-government-constitutes-delimitation-commission/article68296937.ece
  17. http://keralaassembly.org/election/assembly_poll.php?year=2011&no=28
  18. http://keralaassembly.org/election/2016/assembly_poll.php?year=2016&no=10
  19. http://keralaassembly.org/election/2021/assembly_poll.php?year=2021&no=10
  20. http://www.keralaassembly.org/election/assembly_poll.php?year=2011&no=10
  21. http://www.keralaassembly.org/election/2016/assembly_poll.php?year=2016&no=10
  22. https://niyamasabha.nic.in/index.php/content/member_homepage/245
  23. http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/comm_15_22.htm
  24. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/mla-cup-kickstarts-revival-of-sporting-spirit-in-azhikode/article68961621.ece
  25. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/Rs.-4500-cr-assigned-to-Azhikode-port-project/article16207328.ece
  26. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/azhikkal-port-and-vizhinjam-port-projects-to-turn-a-booster-for-kerala-0c7ca353
  27. https://kannur.nic.in/en/harbour-engineering-department/
  28. https://kannur.nic.in/en/district-fisheries-office/
  29. https://thefishsite.com/articles/kerala-launches-value-added-fish-food-chain
  30. https://www.indiavotes.com/vidhan-sabha-details/2011/kerala/azhikode/28/31656/213
  31. https://www.indiavotes.com/ac/summary/31656
  32. https://www.myneta.info/kerala2011/index.php?action=show_winners&sort=default
  33. https://www.ceo.kerala.gov.in/ceokerala/pdf/generalelection2016/RESULT_NOTIFICATION.pdf
  34. https://www.indiavotes.com/ac/summary/44656
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