Polling for the byelection in three local body wards in Kottayam district is scheduled for September 28, 2026. (Photo for representation)
Campaigning has gained momentum in the Thrikkodithanam district panchayat division in Keralam following the State Election Commission’s notification of byelections to various local body wards, including three in Kottayam district.
Polling is scheduled for September 28, 2026, and all three major fronts have announced their candidates. The Thrikkodithanam seat fell vacant after its sitting member, Vinu Jobb, was elected to the Assembly from Changanassery in the recent election.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has taken an early lead by announcing its candidate and launching election conventions. Manju Sujith, a district committee member of the All India Democratic Women’s Association and a former district panchayat member, is the front’s candidate. An election convention held at Kunnumpuram on Sunday (September 6, 2026) was inaugurated by Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State secretariat member V.N. Vasavan.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has fielded Kerala Congress State secretariat member Vijay Jose Marett. Party chairman P.J. Joseph announced his candidature on Monday (September 7, 2026).
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded A. Manoj, a BJP State council member and elected member of the Payippad grama panchayat.
The other two byelections in the district will be held in the first ward (Cheeramkulam) of the Meenadom grama panchayat and the 10th ward (Kumpanthanam) of the Pampady grama panchayat. These seats fell vacant following the deaths of UDF members Prasad Narayanan and Babu Mathew Danavunkal, respectively.
According to officials of the district election department, the byelections will be held on the basis of the voters’ list published on August 19, 2026. Nominations can be filed until September 10, 2026, followed by scrutiny on September 11. Candidates can withdraw their nominations till September 14.
District Collector Chetan Kumar Meena is the returning officer for the district panchayat byelection. The Assistant Director of Agriculture and the Assistant Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation, are the returning officers for the Cheeramkulam and Kumpanthanam ward elections respectively.
Published – September 08, 2026 05:48 pm IST
