In a decisive win, Congress candidate Rahul Mamkootathil triumphed in the recent Palakkad Assembly by-election, securing the highest ever victory margin in the constituency—over 18,000 votes. Despite expectations of a tough three-way contest, Mamkootathil’s lead was largely unchallenged as BJP’s C. Krishnakumar, who had briefly surged ahead, faltered in the latter part of the vote counting.
The outcome marks a significant setback for the BJP, which not only failed to clinch the seat but also saw a steep decline in its vote share—dropping by over 13,000 votes compared to the 2021 election. Mamkootathil’s victory strengthens Congress’ foothold in the region, delivering a major political win.
