An interesting trend is emerging ahead of the April 9 Kerala Assembly elections, with 17 constituencies bracing for repeat contests between the same winners and runners-up from the 2021 polls. The state is set to elect 140 new legislators, with the main battle between the Left and the Congress-led UDF, while the BJP-led NDA contests in around a dozen seats.
These rematches bring a sense of familiarity and unfinished business to the high-stakes electoral scenario. Notably, Kunnathur is the only constituency where all three major fronts have fielded the same candidates as in the previous election, creating a rare three-cornered rematch.
Among the key repeat contests is in Thrithala, where Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh faces off against Congress leader V.T. Balram. Meanwhile, Industries Minister P. Rajeeve competes against IUML’s V.E. Gafoor at Kalamassery, and Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar meets Congress’s Jyothikumar Chamakala again in Pathanapuram.
In Chavara, RSP veteran Shibhu Baby John seeks redemption against Sujith Vijayan Pillai (Left), while Manjeshwaram witnesses a tight rematch between IUML’s sitting MLA AKM Ashraff and BJP leader K. Surendran, who narrowly lost in 2021. The electoral landscape is filled with high-profile contests, such as in Poonjar and Aroor, promising intense campaigns.
With narrow margins like the 333-vote win in Kuttiyadi, where sitting CPI M legislator K.P. Kunjuahammed Kutty faces IUML leader Parakkal Abdullah, these repeat battles are expected to lead to vigorous campaigning. As familiar faces, unresolved rivalries, and shifting political dynamics take center stage, the election results will be revealed on May 4.
