Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: As Kerala polls today for all 140-assembly seats, several constituencies have emerged as high-stakes battlegrounds, reflecting shifting political equations, leadership tests and growing multi-cornered contests. While the traditional fight between the Congress-led UDF and CPM-led LDF continues, the BJP’s push to expand its footprint has added a sharper triangular edge in select seats this time around.These contests are not just about local outcomes but carry wider political implications, from internal dissent within parties to leadership credibility and alliance strategies. In many of these seats, candidate selection itself has triggered churn, making them closely watched indicators of broader electoral trends in the state.From a rebellion in Ambalapuzha to prestige battles in Peravoor and a three-way contest in Nemom, these seats could play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome. Here are five constituencies that stand out:
Ambalapuzha:
This southern Kerala seat has turned into a politically symbolic contest following veteran leader G Sudhakaran’s exit from CPM after a six-decade association. Contesting as an Independent, he is taking on sitting MLA H Salam. The UDF’s decision to stay out of the race and back Sudhakaran has further altered the contest dynamics. The seat has consistently been with CPM, which won here in 2011, 2016 and 2021. A Sudhakaran win could signal internal strain within the LDF.
Peravoor:
Peravoor has become a prestige contest between Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph and CPM veteran-former health minister KK Shylaja. Shylaja, who had been representing Mattannur since 2016, has shifted constituencies despite reported reluctance, making this both a return and a test. She had earlier won Peravoor in 2006. Meanwhile, Joseph, who has held the seat since 2011, is seeking a fourth consecutive term, making this a closely fought contest between two high-profile leaders.
Nemom:
Nemom remains a key testing ground for all three fronts. CPM leader and minister V Sivankutty, who won the seat in 2021, is defending it against BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Congress’ young face KS Sabarinathan. The BJP had made history here in 2016 with a win, and is now aiming for another breakthrough. With all three parties investing heavily, any shift in vote share could have implications beyond this constituency.
Pala:
Long considered the stronghold of Kerala Congress (Mani), Pala is witnessing a contest shaped by legacy and internal party dynamics. Jose K Mani is seeking to reclaim the seat associated with his father K M Mani after earlier setbacks. He faces sitting MLA Mani C Kappan, whose victory had disrupted the party’s hold. Another loss for Jose K Mani could raise questions over his leadership within the party. BJP candidate Shone George adds a third dimension that could influence vote division. Past winners include Kappan in 2021, NCP in 2019 and Kerala Congress (M) candidate in 2016.
Palakkad:
Palakkad becomes interesting as the BJP looks to convert its steady gains into a victory after narrowly losing in 2021. The party has fielded Sobha Surendran, while Congress has taken a calculated risk by nominating actor Ramesh Pisharody in a bid to retain the seat it has held since 2011. CPM, which has struggled here in recent elections, has fielded N M R Razack as it looks to re-establish its presence. The outcome here could indicate whether BJP’s incremental rise can translate into a win.With multiple high-profile candidates, shifting loyalties and triangular contests, these seats are expected to have close and defining contests.
