Fatema Thahliya of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) won the Perambra assembly constituency in Kerala, a traditional Left stronghold, defeating LDF convenor and veteran CPI(M) leader Ramakrishnan. The 34-year-old secured 63,999 votes, winning by a margin of 4,700. With this victory, she became the first woman legislator in IUML’s history.

Born in Peruvayal, Kozhikode district, Thahliya began her political journey through student politics, leading the Muslim Students Federation before serving as a councillor in Kozhikode Corporation. She currently serves as the state secretary of the Muslim Youth League. A lawyer by profession, she holds degrees from Government Law Colleges in Kozhikode and Thrissur and practices at the Calicut District Court.

Her campaign faced intense online harassment and cyberattacks, particularly targeting her identity as a hijab-wearing Muslim woman. Despite the challenges and controversies, including communal polarization allegations during the campaign, her victory is seen as signaling a new political equation in Kerala’s landscape.