As the 2026 assembly elections approach in Kerala, the turmoil on the political scene has intensified. Out of total 140 assembly seats in the state, Muslim voters play a decisive role in about 32 seats. Of these, especially in the area around Cheraman Juma Masjid, the Muslim population is so organized that 12 out of 13 seats here are in the possession of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). This shows the strength and organization of the Muslim population of the area. The historical and religious importance of the mosque also strengthens the Muslim community in the region.
Historical significance of Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman Juma Masjid was established in 629 AD and is considered to be the first mosque in India and the second mosque in the world. In the 7th century, King Cheraman of Malabar had a dream in which he saw that the moon in the sky had broken into two pieces. He called astrologers in the court to interpret this dream, but did not get a satisfactory answer.
During this time, Muslim traders from Arabia met him and told him about Prophet Mohammad. King Cheraman went to Mecca to meet the Prophet, where he accepted Islam and the Prophet named him ‘Tajuddin’. The king died in Oman while returning, but he ordered his officials to build a mosque at Kodangalore. After this, Cheraman Juma Masjid was established in 629 AD.
The mosque not only became a religious center but also a center for the development and organization of the local Muslim community Mapilla. The Muslim population of this area has played an important role in society and politics.
Muslim voters and Kerala politics
This area is extremely important from electoral point of view due to the dominance of Muslim population around Cheraman Juma Masjid. According to the Center for Public Policy Research, Muslim voters are decisive in 50 to 55 seats in the state. Of these, Indian Union Muslim League candidates contest elections on 25-30 seats.
About 26.5% of the total population of the state are Muslims. This means that Muslim voters can prove to be decisive for any alliance in state politics. The area of Cheraman Juma Masjid is therefore considered strategically important for political parties.
Electoral Strategy and Social Impact
There has been an electoral contest between Congress and LDF in Kerala for a long time. In recent years, BJP has also been trying to establish its hold in the state, especially through the Hindutva-based vote bank. However, the organized presence of the Muslim community challenges BJP’s plans.
Political analyst Sumanth C Raman says that the people of Kerala are not easily divided on the basis of religion, because Islam came to this state through trade and relationships by sea, not through cavalry armies and wars. However, there has been a change in Muslim voting patterns in recent years, with some Muslim voters now shifting from CPM to supporting the Congress.
Political and social analysts say that Muslim voters in and around Cheraman Juma Masjid are decisive not only because of religion or religious identity, but also because of community organizations and social attitudes. This sector plays an important role in influencing the political picture of the state.
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