Kerala assembly polls: Who will win the Battle of Beypore?

India Today's ground report from Beypore constituency in Kozhikode reveals a polarised electorate ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Incumbent LDF minister PA Mohammad Riyas faces UDF's Anwar Sadat in a high-stakes contest. Voters at Beypore Fishing Harbour express mixed views: supporters credit Riyas with local infrastructure improvements including harbour lighting, while critics accuse him of superficial development like painting pipes and neglecting core issues such as healthcare, closed tile factories, and harbour infrastructure. Anwar Sadath alleges that Riyas has failed to deliver meaningful change, citing poor taluk hospital facilities and lack of gynaecology departments. LDF claims anti-incumbency is manageable and points to a corruption-free government, while UDF targets allegations of 'Marimonism' and excessive ministerial influence. The report also covers the broader Malappuram-Kozhikode political landscape, where IUML strongholds face CPM challenges, and the controversy surrounding Jamaat-e-Islami's declared support for UDF, which both Congress and IUML insist does not constitute a formal alliance.