BJP's Muraleedharan Challenges CPI(M) in Kazhakkoottam for Key Assembly Seat

• V Muraleedharan, senior BJP leader, is contesting from Kazhakkoottam, an urban seat in Thiruvananthapuram, targeting CPI(M)'s hat-trick bid.
• Kazhakkoottam has a high BJP vote share, with Rajeev Chandrasekhar securing over 40% in parliamentary polls and Sobha Surendran finishing second in 2021.
• Muraleedharan faces Kadakampally Surendran, a three-time MLA, whose popularity and familiarity with the constituency make him a formidable opponent.
• BJP is targeting Surendran over the Sabarimala gold theft case and alleged failures in addressing job opportunities and water shortage.
• The UDF is also in the fray with Adv T Saratchandra Prasad, aiming to revive its past performance in a tight three-cornered contest.