Peruvayal (Kozhikode), KERALA :
Fathima Thahiliya has faced cyberattacks and online abuse since her candidature in Perambra Assembly constituency was announced, including sexually derogatory, and communal remarks.
Fathima Thahiliya, a 34-year-old advocate and postgraduate in law from the University of Calicut, won the high-profile Perambra Assembly constituency, defeating the senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), T. P. Ramakrishnan.
Thahiliya got 81429 votes, winning the strongly contested seat with 5087 margin.
Born in Peruvayal in Kozhikode, Thahiliya rose through student politics before entering electoral politics, serving as a leader in the Muslim Students Federation and later as a councillor in the Kozhikode Corporation.
She completed her B.A. LL.B from Government Law College, Kozhikode, and an LL.M from Government Law College, Thrissur, and currently practises as an advocate at the Calicut District Court.
She also serves as a State Secretary of the Muslim Youth League, marking her steady rise within the Indian Union Muslim League.
Representing the Indian Union Muslim League, Thahiliya is among the 2 women candidates fielded by the party, making her contest particularly significant in a constituency long considered a Left stronghold.
Her candidature drew widespread attention across Kerala, not only because of the high-stakes electoral battle but also due to the controversies that unfolded during the campaign.
Fathima Thahiliya faced significant cyberattacks and online abuse soon after her candidature in Perambra Assembly constituency was announced, with her social media pages flooded with sexually coloured and derogatory comments, including vulgar remarks and personal attacks.
Much of the abuse targeted her identity as a young Muslim woman wearing a hijab, and questioned her capability to contest elections.
Thahiliya stated that such attacks were not new to her, noting that she had faced similar cyber harassment during earlier local body elections in Kozhikode.
Another controversy, the “Kauminte Kutti” row, erupted after allegations that campaign vehicles linked to the Left Democratic Front made announcements referring to Fathima Thahiliya as a “community candidate.”
The United Democratic Front alleged that attempts were made to communalise the election by portraying her through her religious identity, with campaign messages that sparked political backlash and complaints to the Election Commission.
Despite these challenges, Fathima Thahiliya emerged as a strong contender and went on to win the Perambra Assembly constituency, marking a significant shift in a traditionally LDF-dominated seat.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India>South India / by Maktoob / May 04th, 2026
