THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ruling and opposition fronts in Kerala are gearing up for a high-stakes battle as by-elections draw near. Following its victory in Thrissur during the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is aiming for another significant win, with eyes set on Palakkad. A win here, along with retaining the Chelakkara seat, would be a monumental coup for the state government, allowing it to assert its position with confidence.

For the UDF, retaining the Palakkad seat and capturing Chelakkara would validate their anti-government campaigns, signaling that their efforts to challenge the ruling government have paid off.

Despite facing multiple allegations, the LDF is expected to focus its campaign on the government's accomplishments. They are likely to highlight various social welfare projects, such as the Life Mission and emphasize Kerala’s top rankings in public distribution, education, health and other development indices. The economic pressure from the Center will also be framed as a key challenge the government has successfully managed. The LDF's achievements will be communicated strategically to reach grassroots voters.

The UDF, in contrast, is set to focus on what it calls the government’s "anti-people" policies, targeting homes with issues such as the mishandling of Pooram, allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement and the RSS-CPM relationship. Additionally, the tragic incident in Kannur, where a left-leaning ADM officer committed suicide allegedly due to harassment by the district panchayat president, a CPM leader, will be used as a potent campaign tool.

The BJP will concentrate its campaign on the Sabarimala issue, criticizing the government’s handling of restrictions imposed on devotees. Another focal point will be Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s controversial interview with ‘The Hindu’ and his remarks related to the gold smuggling scandal, both of which are expected to be used as ammunition by the BJP.

Candidates announced: Rahul and Ramya in the fray

In the Palakkad Assembly constituency, the Congress has announced Youth Congress State President Rahul Mankoottathil as their candidate. In Chelakkara, former MP Ramya Haridas will contest on behalf of the Congress.

On the LDF side, Palakkad is likely to see a contest from Zilla Panchayat President K. Binumol, with DYFI leader V. Wasif and Zilla Panchayat member Safdar Sharif also being considered. K Binumol appears to be the frontrunner. In Chelakkara, U R Pradeep, chairman of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Corporation, is tipped to be the most likely candidate.