Vijayan focused his campaign on a surfeit of what he gave people: Welfare schemes including pensions for low-income families and development programmes. “Public had a thought that development was not possible, we brought it, and I guess people want that to continue,” Vijayan told the crowd at Kulam Bazaar.
He also criticised the opposition, saying, “The United Democratic Front (UDF) doesn’t ensure accountability for the state and the welfare of the people… they are not interested in governance… While LDF is different.”
Locals who have historically supported the Left expressed mixed feelings about the upcoming state government. They were, however, confident that Vijayan would retain his seat. A female shopkeeper, who said she had voted for CPI(M) in the last two elections, said the UDF might form the government this time because the Sabarimala gold theft issue has affected public sentiment, “but Pinarayi will still win here.”
According to another shopkeeper the CM interacts very little with people directly. “He comes in his car, waves and leaves. Even before becoming the CM, he wasn’t easy to approach. I’ve known him since childhood.” A resident praised local projects, highlighting improvements in roads and public facilities.
P Sashidharan, CPI(M)’s constituency secretary, said, “Whenever he is here, people have the chance to interact with him.” Many residents also highlighted his work in education and infra, describing Dharmadam as a “sure seat”.
A local summed up the sentiment: “We are happy with the CM’s contribution to the constituency and the state. He has brought developments – from bridges and better roads to world-class stadiums. He will win here with an even higher margin.”Dharmadam was declared Kerala’s first constituency free of extreme poverty in April 2025.
UDF CHALLENGER
UDF has fielded VP Abdul Rasheed in Dharamadam. He had reduced CPI(M)’s margin in Kannur’s Taliparamba constituency. “Rasheed is a youth leader. People are resounding a strong anti-incumbency, which was evident in Lok Sabha and local body elections,” said district Congress secretary Sashidharan Puthukkudi.

