New Delhi: Kerala will count votes in its 140-member assembly on May 4, with the results expected to decide whether the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) can retain power for a third consecutive term or whether the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) can wrest back the state after a decade of opposition. The election has also raised eyebrows as the BJP seeks to deepen its influence in specific constituencies after making gains in recent assembly and local body polls.While the race remains largely centered around the Liberal Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, several high-profile candidates and politically sensitive constituencies are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final outcome. From Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan defending the Left’s record on governance, to Congress leaders trying to stage a comeback, to BJP figures trying to translate incremental gains into victories, the results in a handful of key seats can provide the clearest indication of Kerala’s changing political landscape.
Pinarayi Vijayan – Dama DhamChief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who remains the central figure of the LDF, is seeking another victory in Dharmadam in Kannur district. The constituency is considered a CPM stronghold and Vijayan’s performance will be closely watched to gauge the Left’s grip on north Kerala after two consecutive terms in power.VD Satheesan – PalavurOpposition leader VD Satheesan is leading the Congress-led UDF movement in Palavur in Ernakulam district. Satisang is seen as the opposition’s main strategist in this election, with his campaign focused on anti-incumbency, corruption allegations and governance issues. His dominance in Palavur could reflect the UDF’s overall performance in central Kerala.KK Shailaja – MattanurFormer health minister KK Shailaja remains one of the most popular leaders of the CPM and is contesting elections from Mattanur in Kannur district. Shailaja is widely recognized for her handling of the Nipah outbreak and the Covid-19 pandemic, and she remains a leading voice for the left-wing welfare and public health narrative.K Surendran – ManjeshwaramSurendran, the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, is once again contesting from Manjeshwaram in Kasargod district, a constituency where the party has narrowly won on several occasions. The seat remains politically important for the BJP because of its proximity to coastal Karnataka and the party’s efforts to consolidate support in northern Kerala.Sobha Surendran – PalakkadSenior BJP leader Sobha Surendran is campaigning from Palakkad, one of the most watched constituencies in the election. The BJP sees Palakkad as a realistic opportunity for a parliamentary breakthrough given its urban-rural integration, growing municipal clout and steady rise in vote share in recent years.Ramesh Pisharodi-PalakkadActor and television personality Ramesh Pisharody is the UDF candidate for Congress leadership in Palakkad. His candidacy comes at a time when the constituency is turning into a triangular contest between the BJP, Congress and the Left, making it one of the most unpredictable seats in Kerala.MB Rajesh – ThrithalaMinister of State MB Rajesh is defending CPM’s Thrithala, a constituency that has traditionally witnessed fierce competition between the LDF and UDF. His performance will be closely watched in Palakkad district, where the BJP is also trying to expand its influence.KK Rema – VadakaraKK Rema, leader of the UDF-backed Revolutionary Marxist Party, remains one of the most watched opposition figures in Kerala. Reema’s campaign in Vadakara continues to attract political attention because of her outspoken criticism of the CPM and her strong support base in northern Kerala.
