Thiruvananthapuram, March 16 (NationPress) – Kerala has kicked off a day of vigorous campaigning today, as political factions launch a 25-day intense campaign in preparation for the April 9 elections for the 140-member Kerala Assembly.

The opposition coalition is yet to finalize their candidates, while the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) has wasted no time, announcing their candidates and activating their campaign machinery.

Throughout the state, ministers and candidates hit the streets early this morning, engaging with voters and soliciting support.

In the suburban capital constituency of Nedumangad, State Food and Civil Supplies Minister and senior CPI leader G. R. Anil kicked off his campaign this morning.

Anil expressed confidence in the progress made in his constituency, stating, “I know my constituency too well. Just look at the developments that have transpired here. I am confident about the result and have no doubts about it.”

In Kottarakkara, State Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal of the CPI(M) also engaged with residents to gather support.

Unlike his relatively easy contest in 2021, Balagopal now faces a more challenging race against former party colleague Aiysha Potti, a three-time CPI(M) legislator who switched to the Indian National Congress last month.

Balagopal remarked, “None knows why she left the party, and she has yet to explain the reasons. I am confident that the developmental works in my constituency will serve me well.”

Further north in Kochi, State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve of the CPI(M) was out early, connecting with voters.

Rajeeve emphasized his campaign strategy of reaching out broadly across his constituency, stating, “I rely on what I have accomplished for the state and my constituency. I plan to meet as many people as possible, including those who did not support me last time, and explain why they should back me now.”

In the CPI(M) stronghold of Kannur, local leader Karayi Rajan, currently out on bail in a murder case, began his campaign at the Thalassery assembly seat.

The seat has been held by AN Shamseer, the outgoing Speaker of the Assembly, for two terms, and his removal surprised many.

Rajan noted, “Yes, Shamseer has been nurturing this constituency for the past 10 years, and this time the party has fielded me. Everyone here knows about the case against me, and I will engage with voters seeking support for my party.”

Meanwhile, a notable contest is forming in Beypore within the Kozhikode district, where former independent MLA P. V. Anvar is running with the support of the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Anvar, who resigned from his legislative position last year after a fallout with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is set to challenge Tourism Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas, Vijayan’s son-in-law, making this one of the most closely watched contests of the election.

Launching his campaign, Anvar criticized the incumbent for neglecting the constituency, stating, “This constituency has gone to the dogs. Apart from a few tourism initiatives, crucial sectors like health, education, and industry have suffered. The constituency has been severely overlooked.”

In the coming days, the Congress-led UDF and the Bharatiya Janata Party are anticipated to announce their candidates, with last-minute discussions occurring at the national level.

As the campaign clock begins to tick, it’s clear that Kerala’s political landscape has come alive, signaling the start of a fierce electoral contest.