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Kerala's Electoral Rematch: 17 Seats See Repeat Contests in Assembly Polls

An intriguing pattern has emerged ahead of the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls, with 17 constituencies set for repeat contests featuring the same winners and runners-up from 2021. The Kunnathur seat is unique as the only three-cornered rematch where all three major fronts have fielded the same candidates. Four state ministers, including M.B. Rajesh and R. Bindu, are also in direct replays of their previous electoral duels. These battles, fueled by narrow past margins and unresolved rivalries, promise intense campaigns with outcomes to be declared on May 4.

Key Points: Kerala Polls: 17 Seats Set for 2021 Rematch Battles

  • 17 seats see 2021 rematches
  • Kunnathur only three-cornered repeat
  • Four state ministers in direct replays
  • Narrow margins from last polls fuel intensity
2 min read

Deja vu battles: 17 Kerala seats set for repeat contests, Kunnathur stands apart

17 Kerala Assembly constituencies to witness repeat contests between same 2021 winners and runners-up. Key battles feature state ministers and high-profile candidates.

"These rematches add an element of familiarity and unfinished business to an already high‑stakes electoral battle."

Thiruvananthapuram, March 21

An intriguing electoral pattern has emerged ahead of the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls, with as many as 17 constituencies set to witness repeat contests as the same winners and runners‑up from the 2021 elections face off once again.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators, and the principal fight is between the Left and the Congress-led UDF, with the BJP-led NDA fighting a fierce battle in around a dozen seats.

These rematches add an element of familiarity and unfinished business to an already high‑stakes electoral battle. Among the repeat contests, Kunnathur stands out as it is the only seat where all three major fronts have fielded the same candidates as last time, turning it into a rare three-cornered rematch.

Five-time legislator Kovoor Kunjumon faces relative Ullas Kovoor of the UDF, and BJP's Raji Prasad, making it a closely watched contest. Four state ministers are also in direct replays of their 2021 duels.

In Thrithala, Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh takes on Congress leader V.T. Balram. At Irinjalakuda, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu is again up against Thomas Unniyadan.

Industries Minister P. Rajeeve faces IUML's V.E. Gafoor at Kalamassery, while at Pathanapuram, Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar meets Congress's Jyothikumar Chamakala again.

Elsewhere, contests are equally compelling.

In Chavara, RSP veteran Shibhu Baby John seeks redemption against Sujith Vijayan Pillai (Left). Manjeshwaram will see a tight rematch between IUML's sitting MLA AKM Ashraff and BJP leader K. Surendran, who lost narrowly in 2021.

High-profile and personality-driven contests dot the map from Poonjar, where Sebastian Kulathunkal (Left) faces P. C. George ( BJP) to Aroor, where Dalima Jojo ( CPI-M) and Shanimol Usman (Congress) reprise their contest.

With narrow margins like the 333 vote win in Kuttiyadi, where sitting CPI M legislator K.P. Kunjuahammed Kutty is taking on IUML leader Parakkal Abdullah. At the last edition, the former scraped through with just 333 votes.

These repeat battles promise intense campaigns, which have already begun.

Familiar faces, unresolved rivalries, and shifting political equations ensure that while the contestants remain the same, the outcomes will be known on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Voters in these 17 constituencies have a clear choice - they know exactly what each candidate delivered (or didn't) in the last 5 years. No excuses this time. Hope people vote for development and not just party symbols.
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Aman W
Manjeshwaram will be the one to watch! Surendran vs Ashraff again... last time it was so close. The BJP is really putting up a fight in Kerala. This election could see some surprises. 🗳️
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Sarah B
While the repeat contests are interesting, I hope the focus remains on issues like healthcare, education, and employment. Sometimes these personality-driven battles overshadow what really matters for people's daily lives.
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Karthik V
The margin in Kuttiyadi was just 333 votes! That's practically a tie. Shows every single vote counts. People should go out and vote, especially the youth. Your vote is your voice.
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Meera T
Respectfully, I find it a bit disappointing when the same faces keep rotating. Where is the space for new leaders with fresh ideas? Parties should encourage more young candidates, especially women. The four ministers facing replays have a chance to prove their work speaks for itself.

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