Polling Stations
Dharmadam constituency comprises 139 polling stations for elections under the Assembly of Kerala. Notable booths include:
Chembilode Central LP School (East, Middle, West sides)
Koyyode Central LP School (various wings)
Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chala (North and East side buildings)
Vellurillam LP School, Iriveri LP School, Muthukutti UP School, Movvanchery UP School
Anjarakandy Higher Secondary School, Muzhappala LP School, Kanayannur Mappila LP School
Vengad schools: EK Nayanar Memorial HSS, Kolathumala UPS, Kunnirikka UPS, Urppalli LP School, and others across wards.
These polling booths span coastal, riverine, urbanizing town centers, and rural hinterlands to ensure broad voter coverage.
Economic Profile & Livelihood Sources
Blue economy & fisheries: Coastal fishing, estuary-based livelihoods, and small boat trade remain important in Muzhappilangad, Dharmadom and Pinarayi panchayats.
Remittances (NRIs): Gulf migration income is a central support for many households across the constituency.
Agriculture & allied trades: Inland panchayats like Peralasseri, Kadambur, and Anjarakandy cultivate coconut, pepper, areca nut, and cash crops. Anjarakandy hosts spice and beedi processing units .
Trade & small businesses: Valapattanam port and Doranda near Dharmadom facilitate timber, coir, seafood trade, and retail commerce.
Education & institutional jobs: Brennen College (Dharmadam), DIET centre, and schools drive educational services and local employment opportunities.
Socio-economic Strata
Most residents belong to the middle-income bracket, supported by remittance inflows, coastal fishing, and trade. Some local entrepreneurs or landowners occupy higher-income levels. There are pockets of below-poverty-line families, especially among coastal fisherfolk and remote interiors, though high literacy and planning have substantially mitigated poverty.
Political Backdrop & Recent Development
The seat is held since 2016 by Pinarayi Vijayan of CPI(M), Kerala’s Chief Minister, following successive victories in 2016 and 2021 .
Recent infrastructure developments include upgrades to coastal roads connecting Muzhappilangad beach, improvements around Brennen College and DIET campus, as well as better drainage and sanitation in coastal wards. Efforts have also strengthened small-scale fisheries infrastructure and tourism support for Dharmadom Island and nearby attractions.
Dharmadam Assembly Constituency blends serene coastal landscapes, educated human capital, and resilient mixed-economy livelihoods. Anchored by fisheries, remittances, agriculture, and small trade, it supports a largely middle-income demographic. With civic improvements, tourism potential, and strong political stewardship under an urban-leader MLA, Dharmadam continues evolving as a vibrant constituency balancing coastal heritage and development.
