New Delhi: Voting is underway for all 140 assembly seats in Kerala today, with many constituencies emerging as high-stakes battlegrounds reflecting changing political equations, leadership tests and escalating multi-cornered contests. While the traditional fight between the Congress-led UDF and the CPM-led LDF continues, the BJP’s attempt to expand its footprint has added to the sharp triangular lead in select seats this time.These contests are not just about local outcomes, but have broader political implications ranging from internal dissent within parties to leadership credibility and coalition strategies. In many of these seats, candidate selection has already begun, leading to indicators of broader electoral trends in the state being closely monitored.From rebellion in Ambalapuzha to prestige battle in Peravoor and triangular contest in Nemom, these seats could play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome. There are five constituencies that stand out:

Ambalapuzha:

This seat in southern Kerala has turned into a politically symbolic contest following the exit of veteran leader G Sudhakaran from CPM after six decades of association. He is contesting the election as an independent candidate and is pitted against sitting MLA H Salam. The UDF’s decision to stay out of the race and support Sudhakaran has further changed the dynamics of the contest. This seat has been continuously held by the CPM, which won it in 2011, 2016 and 2021. Sudhakaran’s victory may indicate internal tensions within the LDF.

Peravoor:

Peravoor has turned into a prestige contest between Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph and CPM stalwart-former health minister KK Shailaja. Shailaja, who had been representing Mattannur since 2016, has switched constituencies despite alleged reluctance, making it both a comeback and a test. He had earlier won Peravoor in 2006. Meanwhile, Joseph, who has held the seat since 2011, is contesting the election for the fourth consecutive time, making it a close contest between the two high-profile leaders.

Nemom:

Nemom remains a major testing ground for all three fronts. CPM leader and minister V Sivankutty, who won the seat in 2021, is defending it against BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Congress’ young face KS Sabarinathan. BJP had created history with its victory here in 2016 and is now aiming for another success. With huge investments by all three parties, any change in vote share could have ramifications beyond this constituency.

Frost:

Pala, long considered a Kerala Congress (Mani) stronghold, is witnessing a contest based on legacy and internal party dynamics. Jose K Mani is seeking to regain the seat that belonged to his father KM Mani after earlier failures. He is pitted against sitting MLA Mani C Kappan, whose victory weakened the party’s hold. Another defeat for Jose K Mani could raise questions over his leadership within the party. BJP candidate Shon George has added a third dimension that could affect vote division. Previous winners include Kappan in 2021, NCP in 2019 and Kerala Congress (M) candidates in 2016.

Palakkad:

Palakkad turns out to be interesting as the BJP looks to convert its consecutive gains into victory after narrow defeats in 2021. The party has fielded Sobha Surendran, while the Congress has taken a calculated risk by nominating actor Ramesh Pisharody to retain his seat since 2011. The CPM, which has struggled in recent elections here, has fielded NMR Razak as it looks to re-establish its presence. The results here may indicate whether BJP’s growing lead could translate into victory.With several high-profile candidates, shifting loyalties and a triangular contest, these seats are expected to have a close and decisive contest.