Thiruvananthapuram: Mathrubhumi pre-poll survey indicates a close contest in Kazhakkoottam constituency ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) holding a marginal lead in a keen three-cornered battle.

According to the survey, LDF candidate Kadakampally Surendran (CPM) is projected to secure 40.86 per cent of the vote share, followed closely by NDA candidate V. Muraleedharan (BJP) at 38.54 per cent. The United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate T. Sharatchandra Prasad (INC) is estimated to get 20.6 per cent of the votes. The projected lead is just 2.32 per cent, indicating a tight fight.

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Kazhakkoottam is set to witness a keen contest between the LDF and BJP, with the ruling front aiming to retain the seat and the BJP looking to capitalise on its strong performance in the previous election, where it secured a significant vote share.

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.

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.

BJP has raised several allegations against Surendran, including linking him to the Sabarimala gold theft case, which was probed by a Special Investigation Team.