Kannur (Kerala), March 24 The Peravoor Assembly constituency in the politically sensitive Kannur district is known for its relatively calm atmosphere, where most people depend on farming for their livelihood.
However, the hilly region, which has experienced incidents of human-animal conflict, remains a challenging terrain for the CPI(M), the dominant political force in the district.
By fielding K.K. Shailaja, one of Kerala's most recognizable Left leaders and former health minister, the party is making a strong effort to connect with voters in this hillside constituency.
Some political observers, however, see her candidacy against sitting MLA and KPCC president Sunny Joseph in the Congress stronghold as a move by rivals within the CPI(M) to sideline her.
Shailaja, who won the Mattannur seat twice – with a record margin in the 2021 Assembly elections – dismisses these claims.
She says the party has fielded her in Peravoor to regain control of the constituency from the UDF. Joseph has represented the constituency for three consecutive terms.
Widely seen as one of the most effective ministers in the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, Shailaja remains a popular leader within the CPI(M) in Kerala.
"The CPI(M) doesn't just choose candidates for easy victories," she told