Thiruvananthapuram: Kazhakkoottam is set to witness a high-profile and closely watched three-cornered contest in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, with senior BJP leader and former minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan taking on sitting CPM MLA Kadakampally Surendran.

A three-time MLA, Surendran – who also served as Devaswom Minister — is seeking another term from this key urban constituency. The CPM has once again reposed faith in him, banking on his electoral track record, including his victory in the 2021 Assembly elections.

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Muraleedharan, however, is aiming to turn the tide in favour of the BJP. The party had secured a notable 29% vote share in Kazhakkoottam in 2021, making it one of its strongest constituencies in the state. Confident of improving that performance, Muraleedharan is positioning himself as a strong challenger to the incumbent.

The BJP leader has raised several allegations against Surendran, including linking him to the Sabarimala gold theft case, which was probed by a Special Investigation Team. He has also criticised delays in the implementation of a water pipeline project in the constituency.

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Surendran has firmly rejected these charges, maintaining that the project is progressing as planned and will be completed soon. He has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is yet to officially announce its candidate, though former Congress MLA T Sharatchandra Prasad is likely to be fielded. Prasad has criticised both the LDF and BJP, alleging mismanagement of key issues such as the recent LPG shortage, and has expressed confidence in the UDF’s prospects.

With all three fronts gearing up for a tough battle, Kazhakkoottam is emerging as one of the most keenly contested constituencies in the state.

Voters will cast their ballots on April 9, in what promises to be a decisive contest that could reflect shifting political equations in Kerala’s urban landscape.