KOLLAM: Speculations are rife that BJP state chief P S Sreedharan Pillai will contest from Kollam where a strong three-tier fight will be witnessed. Though his name was heard in some constituencies including Thiruvananthapuram, the last we hear is that he will be fielded in Kollam against UDF candidate N K Premachandran.

There is no clarification on the CPM candidate. Chances are more for K N Balagopal, party former district secretary and state secretariat member. CPM somehow wants to hold the Kollam seat.

The BJP has strong roots in Kollam constituency now. They have strong roots in communist areas like Punalur and Chadayamangalam and have members in many panchayats of the area. The party’s stand on Sabarimala issue will also favour them. The party is keen in fielding a strong candidate like Sreedharan Pillai against Premachandran.

BJP assess that the stand of NSS would be favourable for them in the constituency which has a significant influence on Nair votes. The 10% quota introduced by the centre also gives them hope.