In Kollam district, it is a two-horse race between the LDF and the UDF in all the 11 constituencies. In spite of the BJP’s growth, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) lacks the potential to convert any of the constituencies into a serious three-cornered fight in spite of creating some sparks at Pathanapuram.
So the question is will the outcome of the May 16 polls be like the 2011 polls for the LDF. In the 2011 polls, the LDF had won nine out of the 11 constituencies. But this time leave alone improving upon the nine seat mark, even many in the LDF do not exude confidence when it comes to maintaining the nine won last time.
UDF poll analysts find things not that easy for the front to win in the majority of the 11 constituencies, but they are positive when it comes to improving the performance compared to 2011. The general talk among voters is that the UDF could gain a minimum of two more this time.
Karunagapally
A constituency won by the LDF for the last two consecutive terms is this time a tough turf for the LDF. The LDF candidate R. Ramachandran of the CPI is facing a strong fight from his UDF rival C.R. Mahesh of the Congress.
Chavara
A stronghold of the RSP, that party has never lost from here since the constituency was constituted in 1977. Labour Minister Shibu Baby John of the RSP is the UDF candidate. He faces Vijayan Pillai, a one-time RSP strongman but now in the CMP as his main LDF rival. The LDF is fully aware that humbling Mr. Shibu in Chavara is a Herculean task.
Kunnathur
Another RSP stronghold, but the contest this time is between the RSP and a faction of that party, RSP (Leninist).
Kovur Kunjumon of the RSP(L) is seeking a fourth consecutive term as the LDF candidate from this constituency reserved for Scheduled Communities. But his rival Ulhas Kovur of the RSP is making voters there seriously think on the lines of a change.
Kollam
When the CPI(M) State leadership withheld sitting MLA P.K. Gurudasan and announced actor Mukesh as the LDF candidate, there was a rumour that Mukesh could lose. But when the UDF announced Sooraj Ravi of the Congress as its candidate, the Mukesh camp was in an upbeat mood because the opponent was seen as a “weak candidate.” As days went by, the fight began taking shape as a tough one and is growing tougher.
Eravipuram
RSP State secretary A.A. Azeez is seeking a fourth consecutive term but this time as an UDF candidate. He is facing a strong challenge from LDF candidate M. Noushad of the CPI(M). But the UDF has not lost hopes because of a belief that the BJP will use the opportunity to settle an old score with Mr. Noushad and channelise a good part of the BJP votes to the UDF.
Kundara
One of the toughest fights in the district. The UDF expects its candidate Rajmohan Unnithan will win. Though Kundara has strong Left leaning pockets and the LDF had won from there in the last two consecutive terms, J. Mercykutty of the CPI(M) is facing a tough fight. The strongest contender of the NDA from the district, M.S. Shyamkumar, is in the fray from here.
Kottarakara
Though seen as a stronghold of R. Balakrishna Pillai’s Kerala Congress (B), the LDF’s Aisha Potti of the CPI(M) is the MLA for the last two terms. This time the Kerala Congress (B) is on the side of the LDF and that has made the LDF stronger. The UDF candidate is Savin Sathyan of the Congress.
Punalur
A CPI stronghold, sitting MLA K. Raju is seeking a third consecutive term as the LDF candidate. IUML leader A Younus Kunju is the UDF candidate. The fight is tough for the UDF in spite of calculations on a possible Muslim consolidation.
Pathanapuram
One of the most keenly watched contests because the three main candidates are film stars. Jagadish of the Congress is giving a tough time to LDF candidate K.B. Ganesh Kumar of the Kerala Congress (B), who represented the constituency for three consecutive terms. Bheeman Reghu as NDA candidate has added more glitter to the race.
Chadayamangalam
Another CPI fort since long, CPI leader and sitting MLA Mullakara Ratnakaran is seeking a third consecutive term from here. He locks horns with Congress veteran M.M. Hassan. The CPI and the LDF claims that Chadayamangalam is one sure seat for the LDF in Kollam district.
Chathannur
CPI leader G.S. Jayalal is seeking a second consecutive term from here and faces senior KPCC general secretary Sooranad Rajashekaran who is the UDF candidate. The Puttingal fireworks tragedy is influencing the poll campaign. It is also one constituency where the BJP is expected to garner votes worth the mention.
