The majority of the people of Manikkadavu are the second and third generation of migrators from Travancore presently. For that reason, the local slag of the people is more similar to central Travancore than typical Kannur slang. This continues even in the fourth generation is an indication of the still strong connection of the people to Travancore. There is a large expat community in Manikkadavu. At least a person from almost all families is working abroad majority of them being in Gulf countries. Major political parties of Manikkadavu are congress lead UDF and CPIM lead LDF. The place was considered a strong fort for congress until recently. The last few panchayath elections were won by independent candidates indicating a change in the political polarization of Manikkaavu.