Speculation rife in 'red fort'

The LDF's three-seat loss in Palakkad in 2011 assembly election saw the UDF gain ing power by a thin majority.
This time, the front is keen on plugging any such loophole.
If the thumping majority the LDF registered in Palakkad and Alathur parliament seats and the sweeping victory in the local body elections are any indication, the LDF has reasons to be confident.UDF's aim will be to retain all its seats and to snatch at least two from the LDF . However, the emergence of BJP in the district has cast shadows over the fortune of both fronts.
All eyes are set on Malampuzha, where CPM veteran V S Achuthanandan is seeking victory for the fourth term.The UDF has fielded 29-year-old KSU president V S Joy against the 92-year-old Achuthanandan. The presence of BJP state secretary and Palakkad municipality vice-chairman C Krishnakumar as NDA candidate has revved up the contest here.
In Thrithala, CPM has fielded the district panchayat president and popular leader Subida Isahaq against V T Balram of Congress to wrest the seat they lost for the first time in 2011. CPI has roped in Mohammed Mohsin, a close associate of JNU's student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, to take on three-time MLA C P Mohammed of Congress in a bid to capture Pattambi. BJP district leader P Manoj is the NDA candidate.
In Mannarkkad, the LDF has fielded CPI district secretary Suresh Raj against MLA N Shamsudheen of IUML. Here BDJS has fielded Keshavadev Pudumana as NDA candidate. In Palakkad, a close contest is on the cards as the LDF has pitted three-time MP N N Krishnadas against UDF's young leader Shafi Parambil, who is seeking a second term.The entry of Sobha Surendran as NDA candidate has ensured a triangular battle here.
In Ottappalam, Congress has finally fixed Shanimol Usman as its candidate, triggering fresh troubles in the UDF camp. CPM has fielded its state committee member P Unni to retain the seat.BJP is set to put up a tough fight through P Venugopal. With the UDF deciding to field former minister and Congress leader Pandalam Sudhakaran in Kon gad, the constituency is set for a heated contest. CPM has given its K V Vijayadas another chance here. BJP has fielded Mahila Morcha state president Renu Suresh with high hopes.
The candidature of former MLA A V Gopinath in Nemmara means the UDF is eying another red citadel. It will be a humongous task for CPM's K Babu to defend its seat. The BJP has backed senior leader N Sivarajan.
In Chittur, it's battle of old foes as JD(S)'s K Krishnankutty is making allout efforts to wrest the seat from UDF's MLA K Achuthan. LDF candidate A K Balan is facing a stiff challenge from UDF candidate C Prakashan in Tharoor.In Shoranur, CPM district secretariat member P Sashi has C Sangeetha (UDF) and V P Chandran (NDA) as rivals.
Alathur is set for a contest between CPM's K D Prasenan and KC (M)'s K Kushalakumar.