Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15 (PTI) Even before the official announcement of the Assembly elections, political activity had already intensified across Kerala, where the LDF is looking to secure a record third straight win while opposition Congress-headed UDF and NDA are keen in upsetting its plans.
Wall writings, local meetings and early campaigning have begun in many constituencies as aspirants try to secure party tickets. Elections to 140 seats will be held on April 9.
In the outgoing Assembly, ruling CPI (M) has 61 members, while the Congress’ strength stands at 22.
While elections in the state traditionally see a close contest between the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the UDF, several constituencies are emerging as crucial battlegrounds.
With the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) hoping to expand its presence in the state, some seats may witness intense three-cornered fights.
The northern constituency of Manjeshwaram in Kasaragod district remains one of the most closely watched battles.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) retained the seat in the 2021 Assembly polls with a wafer-thin margin of just 848 votes.
The party’s sitting MLA A K M Ashraf is expected to contest again as the UDF candidate.
For the NDA, former BJP state president K Surendran is likely to be the candidate.
Surendran had finished second in 2021 and the BJP believes it has a real chance here.
The LDF has not yet announced its candidate and the front is not widely seen as a major contender here.
The Payyannur constituency in Kannur district, traditionally considered a stronghold of the CPI(M), may also see an interesting contest.
Local CPI(M) leader K Kunjikrishnan recently raised allegations of fund misappropriation linked to the party’s martyr fund collection drive.
He was subsequently expelled from the party, but the controversy could dominate the campaign discourse.
None of the major fronts have announced candidates yet, and political observers are waiting to see whether the episode will dent the CPI(M)’s traditional support base.
Another high-profile contest is expected in Peravoor, a constituency with a significant population of Christian migrant farmers.
The seat is currently held by Sunny Joseph, president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
The LDF is expected to field former health minister K K Shailaja, widely known as “Shailaja Teacher”.
Shailaja earned international recognition for her handling of the Nipah virus infection outbreak and the covid-19 pandemic during her tenure as health minister in the previous Left regime.
Despite losing the Vadakara Lok Sabha seat in 2024 polls, she remains one of the most popular Left leaders in the state.
Her entry into Peravoor is expected to make the contest particularly intense.
The NDA, however, does not view the seat as a favourable one.
The fight in Kalpetta constituency is also drawing attention beyond the state.
Located in Wayanad, which was represented in Parliament by Rahul Gandhi and now by his sister Priyanka Gandhi, the seat traditionally favours the Congress.
However, this election could see strong fight as the rehabilitation of victims of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides has become a key political issue.
Many residents have praised the state government’s support measures, while allegations have surfaced against Congress leaders over delays in rehabilitation efforts despite fund collection drives.
The issue is likely to feature prominently in campaign debates.
The Nilambur constituency in Malappuram district saw dramatic political developments in recent months.
The LDF had earlier won the seat fielding independent leader P V Anvar, but he later resigned and changed his political affiliation.
The subsequent by-election was won by Aryadan Shoukath of the UDF.
Anvar has since moved to Beypore in Kozhikode district where he is expected to contest as part of the UDF against state Public Works Minister P A Mohammed Riyas.
With shifting alliances and voter loyalties, how Nilambur swings in the upcoming election is likely to be closely watched across Kerala.
The fight for Palakkad is also expected to draw significant attention.
The seat is currently held by Rahul Mamkootathil, who was recently expelled from the party following allegations of sexual assault.
Though he continues to describe himself as a strong supporter of the Congress, the party will not consider him again as its candidate.
Palakkad has become an important battleground in recent years.
In the 2021 election and 2024 by poll, the BJP finished second, signalling a growing presence in the constituency.
The party is now expected to field there its firebrand leader Sobha Surendran in the upcoming Assembly polls.
The CPI(M) is also likely to field a strong candidate, hoping to challenge both the Congress and the BJP in what could turn into a tight three-cornered contest.
Another closely watched contest is expected in Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha.
Veteran leader G Sudhakaran, a former minister and long-time member of the CPI(M), has announced that he will contest the election as an independent, after ending his more than six-decade association with the party.
Ambalappuzha has traditionally been a CPI(M) stronghold, but Sudhakaran still commands considerable influence among voters. PTI KPK TGB SA
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