'Only Muralidharan can combat that'; Reason behind surprise candidacy of Muralidharan in Thrissur

THRISSUR: With UDF candidate K Muralidharan locking horns with Left Front candidate V S Sunilkumar and NDA candidate Suresh Gopi, the stage is set for a strong triangle contest in Thrissur. Muralidharan was brought in to address the situation in which the Congress was on the defensive after K Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja joined the BJP. Congress believes that Muralidharan's relationships with religious leaders, including Christians, can help counter BJP's strategy to win Congress votes including those of women through Padmaja's influence.

Padmaja is expected to hit the campaign trail, possibly discussing internal conflicts within the Congress. Congress feels that only Muralidharan can effectively combat this. LDF asserts that it is the true alternative to the Congress and emphasizes its stance against communalism. If he wins, BJP promises that Suresh Gopi will become a Union Minister and spearhead a development revolution in Thrissur.

Advantages for Muralidharan

- Active campaigners

- Less affected by group conflicts

- Benefits from being seen as leader's son

- Familiar with the pulse of Thrissur

- Expected to garner more minority and forward community votes

- Experienced politician

Disadvantages

- Inadequate preparation time

- Lack of recent activity in Thrissur

- Potential impact of Padmaja's departure from the party

- Strong opponents

Advantages for V S Sunilkumar

- Successful tenure as Agriculture Minister

- Populist with grassroots support

- Three-time MLA

Disadvantages

- Internal party conflicts

- Strong opponents

Advantages for Suresh Gopi

- Very active in Thrissur

- Known for helping many people

- Benefited from Modi's visits to the region

- Boosted by Padmaja's entry into BJP

Disadvantages

- Caught off guard by Muralidharan's unexpected candidacy

- Incidents like the Crown Dispute could affect his campaign.