Thodupuzha: Idukki has long been fertile ground for the United Democratic Front (UDF), particularly the Congress, due to its mix of migrant politics and communal alliances.

However, over the past two decades, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has largely dominated the hilly constituencies. The Congress has not seen an MLA from here in 20 years, following the exit of PT Thomas, EM Augusty, and AK Mani to Thiruvananthapuram in 2001.

In the upcoming assembly elections, Congress is making a concerted effort. With Kerala Congress aiming to reclaim the Idukki seat and strong candidates in the fray, the contest has become unpredictable. Historically, the UDF has performed well in local body and Lok Sabha polls, but whether that support translates to a state assembly victory remains to be seen.

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The excitement in the UDF campaign in Idukki is further heightened by the return of Roy K Paulose, contesting after 38 years as their candidate. However, this does not deter Roshy Augustine, whose campaign relies heavily on the development work and personal rapport that helped other Left candidates. The Congress will also need to address the discontent among Kerala Congress cadres over giving up their seat to their ally.

In Peerumedu, the UDF is banking on a strong performance, hoping to capitalise on LDF’s narrow-margin victories in three of the last four elections. The Congress is banking on fielding labour leader Cyriac Thomas for the third time, calculating that sympathy votes may work in his favour. The CPI is putting up a tough fight by fielding K. Salimkumar.

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In Devikulam, which has a strong tribal presence, the political battle is among the most closely watched in Idukki. Here, former CPM MLA S. Rajendran is contesting for the NDA against sitting MLA A. Raja. The UDF has fielded F. Raja. With 60% of the electorate being Tamil-speaking minorities and complex caste equations, the outcome is hard to predict.

Udumbanchola is another unpredictable constituency. Former MLA KK Jayachandran is contesting again for the LDF. Meanwhile, UDF is pinning hope on Senapathy Venu, who lost narrowly to MM Mani by just 1,109 votes in the last assembly polls.

In the Thodupuzha seat, Apu John Joseph, son of PJ Joseph, is facing a tough test against young Kerala Congress (M) leader Cyriac Chazhikadan in retaining the party’s traditional stronghold. Both UDF and LDF are also facing a threat from the Twenty20 candidate Adv. Roy Varikatt is in the seat. Chazhikadan is drawing attention with his charm among voters, while Apu follows in his father’s footsteps, combining door-to-door campaigning with cultural outreach.