DEVIKULAM: Devikulam heads to polls amid shifting political currents. Long considered a Left bastion, the constituency has witnessed changes in voter alignment as the NDA looks to consolidate its presence and the UDF strives to regain lost ground.
The constituency, which includes large sections of plantation workers and SC/ST communities, has traditionally backed the CPM. Three-time MLA S Rajendran and A Raja have represented the seat in recent years. This election is quite quirky with six candidates — F Raja of the UDF, incumbent A Raja of the LDF, former MLA S Rajendran of the NDA, V B Rajendran of the BSP, and two independents.
The presence of multiple candidates with similar names has caused some confusion among voters: S Rajendran, V B Rajendran, A Raja, and F Raja. Party workers are working overtime to prevent miscasting of votes.
For the LDF, the contest is about retaining its base, relying on its organisational strength in trade unions, cooperatives, and local bodies. The front emphasises its development initiatives and “longstanding connection” with hill communities.
The NDA, boosted by S Rajendran’s switch from the CPM to the BJP earlier this year. It is targeting plantation workers and other local voters — highlighting gaps in state welfare schemes — to make inroads into the Left’s traditional support.
The UDF faces the challenge of reclaiming sections of its traditional electorate. Campaign teams have been focusing on grassroots engagement in hill villages to rebuild voter confidence. The concern is whether it will be able to stem the erosion.
Notably, the NDA’s vote share has been growing steadily, even as the Left continues to enjoy an organisational edge.
Observers say this election reflects a broader trend in Kerala politics — where traditional Left bastions face challenges from an assertive NDA. Devikulam’s outcome will be an important indicator of the political mood in the hill regions, and perhaps beyond.