KOZHIKODE: As all the politicals fronts in Kerala wrapped up their campaign in the five districts of Malabar, the contest has gone down to the wire in most constituencies, except CPM and IUML strongholds of Kannur and Malappuram, respectively, reports Rajeev KR. Many seats, including some traditional strongholds of both fronts, have been pulled into a vortex of unpredictable electoral battle.
The 28 seats LDF won from the 48 in five districts proved crucial for its victory in 2016 as it could decimate Congress to a naught in Kozhikode and retain dominance in CPM strongholds in Kannur. The UDF tally of 20 in the region mostly comprised 17 seats won by IUML.
Muslim votes hold the key in deciding the outcome of the assembly elections in north Kerala. Since there is no discernible Muslim consolidation in favour of a particular front, akin to the 2019 Parliament elections, the contests will be close in many seats.