Perambra: Advocate Fathima Thahiliya has rewritten the political narrative of the Malabar region. At just 34 years old, she has achieved what many thought impossible: securing a seat for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as its first-ever female legislator while dismantling a decades-old CPM stronghold.

The giant killer: Thahiliya defeated LDF veteran and heavyweight T P Ramakrishnan.

The margin: A decisive lead of 4,700 votes, polling a total of 63,999.

The venue: Perambra-a constituency long considered an "impenetrable fortress" for the Left.

From student leader to legislator

Thahiliya's ascent is rooted in academic rigor and grassroots activism.

• Education: BA LLB (Kozhikode) and LLM (Thrissur).
• Background: Former councillor in Kozhikode Corporation and a prominent leader in the Muslim Students Federation (MSF).
• Current role: State Secretary for the Muslim Youth League and practicing advocate at the Calicut District Court.

Resilience amidst controversy

Her victory is even more significant given the high-friction environment of the 2026 campaign. Thahiliya faced cyber attacks with intensive social media vitriol and derogatory remarks targeting her identity.