Adv. O. J. Janeesh (born 1989) is an Indian politician and lawyer currently serving as the Minister for Sports, Youth Welfare, Registration, and Archeology in the Government of Kerala. He is a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly representing the Kodungallur constituency. A member of the Indian National Congress, he was elected in the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, unseating the incumbent representative from the Communist Party of India.
Early life and education O. J. Janeesh was born to Janaranjanan in the Thrissur district of Kerala. He completed his high school education from Government High School, Kuzhur and higher secondary education from VCSHSS Puthenvelikkara and joined Government Polytechnic College, Perumbavoor and later pursued a career in law. He graduated with BBA; LL.B Hons double degree from the Government Law College, Thrissur, affiliated with the University of Calicut, in 2019. Before his entry into the state legislature, he practiced as an advocate.
Political career Janeesh rose to prominence through his involvement with the student and youth wing of the Congress party. In the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, he was selected as the candidate for the Kodungallur seat, which had been held by the LDF since 2016.
In a result characterized as a significant shift in the region's political landscape, he polled 65,162 votes, defeating the incumbent V. R. Sunil Kumar of the Communist Party of India (CPI) by a margin of 8,308 votes. Following the results, political analysts noted the decrease in the LDF vote share in what was previously considered a stable constituency.
Election results 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly election
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