Kerala Assembly elections | In Kollam district, LDF looks to paint the town red again

Despite factionalism during selection of candidates, rivals UDF is expected to go all out to improve its tally

With the LDF keen on repeating the clean sweep of 2016 and the UDF all geared up to improve its tally, Kollam has become an interesting battlefield to watch out for. The equations have changed compared to the early days of campaigning and the incertitude has kept both the fronts on tenterhooks, at least in some segments. The BJP-led NDA has also buckled down to the fight after establishing itself as one the main rivals in Chathannur during the last Assembly elections. Currently, the UDF has zero seats in the district, with the Left coalition claiming all eleven segments. The district has seen no Congress MLA since 2006, and in a bid to bounce back, the party is contesting in seven seats. There have been internal wars between its factions regarding candidatures, the loudest being the one for the Kollam constituency. Posters and social media posts surfaced against the Kundara candidate P.C. Vishnunath, calling him a “migratory bird” even before the official announcement. Reportedly, the UDF leadership had a tough time dealing with Kottarakara, Punalur and Chandayamangalam segments as well.