he Mannarkkad Assembly constituency, which comprises the most backward tribal settlements of Attappady, has no permanent leniency to any particular political front.
Though the UDF could win here in the last two terms, it had elected Left candidates at regular intervals in the past.
Sitting MLA N. Shamsudheen of the IUML is seeking a second term here, saying he requires one more term to resolve the issues in the tribal hamlets forever.
LDF candidate K.P. Suresh Raj, CPI district secretary, is banking heavily on the rich legacy he inherits from his father and iconic CPI leader U. Madhavan.
As far as the BJP is concerned, it has allocated the seat to its new alliance partner – the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS).
Engineering graduate Kesavade Pudumana is contesting on the BDJS ticket.
In Attappady, the LDF has made a big comeback in the last local body election by winning three grama panchayats, Attappady block panchayat, and a district panchayat division. In the Mannarkkad municipality, both fronts bagged equal number of seats.
The UDF now rules the municipality following a draw. While the UDF continues to enjoy upper hand in the Kumaramputhur and Alanallur grama panchayats, Thenkara remains a Left stronghold. The LDF could win the Kottoppadam panchayat because of inner wranglings in the IUML.
Drinking water, poverty deaths and land alienation are the major campaign issues in the constituency. Poor state of roads is another issue.
