Kollam: Known for its unpredictable voting pattern, Kollam district continues to surprise political observers by swinging between the Left and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

While Kollam has largely remained a “red district” in Assembly polls since 2006, the UDF has consistently held the upper hand in the Lok Sabha elections over the past four cycles. In 2011, the district contributed just two MLAs to the UDF government, and in 2016, none. However, in 2021, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) managed narrow victories in Chavara, Kollam and Kunnathur constituencies.

The UDF, however, draws confidence from its strong performance in local body elections, including winning the Kollam Corporation.

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Punalur and Eravipuram have remained LDF bastions for nearly three decades, while Kunnathur has not elected a UDF candidate since 1987. The LDF has also dominated Kollam, Kottarakkara, Chadayamangalam and Chathannoor constituencies for nearly 20 years. However, the Congress’ victories in Karunagappally and Kundara last time marked the beginning of a comeback.

This time, at least six of the 11 constituencies are witnessing intense contests. For parties like the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), RSP (Leninist) and Kerala Congress (B), the election is crucial for political survival.

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Among sitting CPM MLAs, actor-turned-politician Mukesh is the only one denied a ticket despite having served two terms.

The RSP, which has failed to secure Assembly representation in the last two elections, faces a crucial test as it contests in Chavara, Kunnathur and Eravipuram. The Indian Union Muslim League, which had sought a seat swap in Punalur, has settled for contesting there.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) is hopeful of retaining its strongholds in Punalur, Chadayamangalam and Chathannoor. Meanwhile, wresting back Karunagappally from Congress leader C. R. Mahesh is seen as a tough challenge for the Left, while the UDF is optimistic about retaining Kundara.

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Kottarakkara has emerged as a keenly watched constituency, where three-time CPM MLA P Aisha Potty is contesting as a Congress candidate. She faces state minister KN Balagopal, while R. Rashmi, who was the Congress candidate last time, is now contesting on a BJP ticket.

In Pathanapuram, KB Ganesh Kumar, who has represented the seat for over 25 years, faces a tough challenge from Congress candidate Jyothikumar Chamakkala. Similarly, RSP (Leninist) leader Kovoor Kunjumon is also expected to face a difficult contest this time.

In the Kollam constituency, a fierce battle is underway between CITU district secretary S. Jayamohan and former DCC president Bindu Krishna. In Chavara, RSP state secretary and former minister Shibu Baby John, who lost the last two elections, is in a crucial fight.

Chathannoor is witnessing a strong triangular contest, with the BJP hopeful of improving its performance after finishing second in the last two elections. BB Gopakumar is once again the candidate.

Overall, the BJP is contesting in eight seats, while Twenty20 is fielding candidates in two and BDJS in one, adding further complexity to Kollam’s already dynamic electoral landscape.