New Delhi: Kerala goes to polls for all 140 assembly seats today, with several constituencies emerging as high-stakes battlegrounds, reflecting a changing political landscape, a leadership test and growing multilateral competition. While the traditional fight between the Congress-led United Front and the CPM-led LDF continues, the BJP’s efforts to expand its influence have added a sharper edge to the triangle in select seats this time around.These competitions are not just about local outcomes but have wider political implications, from dissent within parties to leadership credibility and coalition strategies. In many of these seats, candidate selection itself triggers attrition, making them closely watched indicators of broader electoral trends in the state.From the rebellion in Ambalapuzha to the popularity battle in Perawar to the three-way fight in Inner Mongolia, these seats could play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome. Here are five constituencies that stand out:
Ambalapuzha:
The southern Kerala seat has turned into a politically symbolic contest after veteran leader G Sudhakaran quit the CPM after six years of association with it. He is running as an independent against incumbent MLA H Salam. UDF’s decision to withdraw from the contest and support Sudhakaran further changed the dynamics of the contest. This seat has always been won by the CPM, with the party winning here in 2011, 2016 and 2021. Sudhakaran’s victory may be a sign of tension within the LDF.
Peravo:
Peravoor has become a popularity contest between Kerala Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph and CPM veteran and former health minister KK Shylaja. It is both a homecoming and a test for Sirajja, who has represented Mattanur since 2016, to change the constituency despite reports of reluctance. She had earlier won the Peravo in 2006. Meanwhile, Joseph, who has held the seat since 2011, is seeking a fourth consecutive term, making this a tight race between two high-profile leaders.
I don’t:
Nemom remains an important proving ground for all three. CPM leader and minister V Sivankutty, who won the seat in 2021, is defending the seat against BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Congress’s young face KS Sabarinathan. The BJP made history with a victory in 2016 and is now eyeing another breakthrough. With all three parties investing heavily, any change in vote share could have ramifications beyond this constituency.
Pala:
Pala, long considered a stronghold of the Congress Party (Mani) in Kerala, is witnessing a contest shaped by tradition and intra-party dynamics. After early setbacks, Jose K Mani is seeking to regain the seat associated with his father KM Mani. He faces sitting MLA Mani C Kappan, whose victory undermined the party’s control. Another defeat for Jose K. Mani could raise questions about his leadership within the party. BJP candidate Shone George adds a third dimension that could affect the distribution of votes. Past winners include Kappan in 2021, NCP in 2019 and Congress(M) candidate from Kerala in 2016.
Palakkad:
Palakkad becomes interesting as the BJP looks to convert its steady progress into victory after narrow defeat in 2021. The party fielded Sobha Surendran, while the Congress took a calculated risk by nominating actor Ramesh Pisharody to retain the seat it has held since 2011. The CPM, which had performed poorly in recent elections but sought to reassert its influence, fielded NMR Razack. The results here may indicate whether the BJP’s gradual rise can translate into victory.With multiple high-profile candidates, shifting loyalties and triangular contests, these seats are expected to feature close and decisive races.
