With high percentage of voting in the state, political parties are hopeful of winning more seats. On earlier polls, except in 2004, UDF had wrested more seats.

 

This time BJP, too, foresee the prospect of lotus blooming in the state. Modi’s charisma triggered optimism in party cadres. In the capital city, party candidate O Rajagopal, keeps its two formidable opponents, both LDF and UDF, on their toes. 

 

BJP garnered 7% votes in the last polls, which may register significant increase now as the party Prime Ministerial candidate Modi has campaigned in the state. If the party fails to open its account in the state   it will remain unrepresented if it comes to power at centre. 

 

Rajgopal was party’s representation from the state in Vajpayee’s ministry. As minister for Railways then, he had brought many developments in the Railway sector. This he thinks will fetch him more votes.The party focuses its entry into the state from extreme ends. Bordering Karnataka, its north district Kasargod is fertile to fulfill BJP’S dream, Modi’s campaign in the two constituencies pulled huge crowds keeping its hope alive. 

 

BJP presence here has kept its opponents on tenterhooks. The fronts are eyeing on the polarization of minority votes here. LDF fielded a candidate from Nadar sect since the community enjoys strong hold in the Tpuram constituency. UDF is harboring on its colourful candidate Sashi Tharoor. As a cabinet minister he has brought developments in the state that keeps UDF hopes burning in the constituency.  Tharoor’s image can influence the fresh voters. This factor has infused optimism in the party and they expect nothing less than his clear mandate. 

 

As its strong bastion, CPM does not foresee any miracle to happen in Kasargod. But UDF and BJP hope the constituency will supports them this time. Congress works hard to wrest the seat from CPM . With this end in view, the party has fielded a powerful youth leader here. Rahul Gandhi has already campaigned in the area and drew big crowds. The party believes this would translate into mandate.  

 

T puram is one of them. The other six are Kollam, Idukki, Thrissur, Calicut, Vatakra and Kannur. All these places are decisive for both the fronts. Fronts believe the multiple factors like Kasthurirngan, TP’s murder and RSP break away will influence the electorate in these areas. Tp murder case looms large over Calicut , Vatakara and Kannur. RMP has fielded its candidates in these constituencies, which strain their nerves, however CPM sees rise in poll in their usual bastions.

 

Kannur and Vatakara had been the party’s stronghold until these were lost to them in 2009. Abdullakutty quit the party and joined with congress culminating into the loss of Kannur. The image of Ramachandran  was another blow to the party in Vatakara. CPM in a frantic effort to mollify its constituents fielded competent candidates in these places. 

 

Congress tries second attempt with Sudhakaran , as a match to his sharp tongue opponent and former minister Sreemathi from here. CPM defends her candidature by claiming that she has improved and sharpened her tongue to counter the congress nominee. 

 

In Calicut the party introduced its politburo member A Vijaya Ragavan to beef up its prospect. The party had lost the Calicut seat to M K Raghavan of the Congress with a margin of 845 votes last time. Vatakara, CPM trusts, is the young candidate and competent to take on Ramachandran’s might. 

 

Congress supports RSP leader Premachandran, who is pitched against the CPM former minister MM Baby from Kollam. The constituency has strong base for RSP and its leader holds mass support. The image of both the leaders is important here , so wait till the outcome. 

 

Both the fronts believe Kasthuri Rangan would affect the result of Idukki constituency. But the turn out in lower ranges raise hopes in the Congress.  However, both the camps keep their faith alive that the constituency will support them. 

 

Heavy polls meant higher hopes for them. Congress led UDF sees 11- 16 seats lead and the LDF camps too foresee wresting maximum numbers.