# Fathima Thahiliya Makes History: Muslim League’s First Woman MLA Wins Kerala Left Stronghold

> Fathima Thahiliya of the Indian Union Muslim League won Kerala’s Perambra seat, defeating a Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader by 4,700 votes. With 63,999 votes, she becomes the party’s first woman MLA. Despite o…

Published: 2026-05-05 · Desk: Latest · Source: The Indian Express

In a result that has stirred Kerala’s political scene, Indian Union Muslim League candidate Fathima Thahiliya has won the Perambra assembly seat—long regarded as a Left bastion—defeating senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Ramakrishnan by 4,700 votes. She secured 63,999 votes, becoming the first woman MLA in the party’s history, in what is widely seen as one of the biggest upsets in the state’s elections.

Born in Peruvayalil, Kozhikode, Tahliya rose through student politics, leading the Muslim Students Federation before serving as a councillor in Kozhikode Corporation. She currently serves as State Secretary of the Muslim Youth League. A practicing lawyer, she completed her BA LLB from Government Law College, Kozhikode, and her LLM from Government Law College, Thrissur, and continues her legal work at Calicut District Court.

Her campaign was marked by significant challenges, including widespread online abuse targeting her identity as a young Muslim woman who wears the hijab. Despite this, she remained composed and continued her campaign. The election also saw controversy over the “Qauminte Kutti” issue, with the UDF accusing the LDF of attempting to communalize her candidacy, leading to a complaint filed with the Election Commission.

Thahiliya’s victory in Perambra—a constituency historically dominated by the Left—signals a potential shift in Kerala’s political dynamics. Analysts see it as a turning point, suggesting that traditional strongholds may be weakening amid rising opposition momentum. For the IUML, the win represents not just electoral success but a historic breakthrough and the breaking of a long-standing barrier.

Original reporting: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/fathima-thahiliya-iuml-first-woman-mla-kerala-10672415/
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