Thiruvananthapuram25 March (H.S.):With just a day left for the deadline to withdraw nominations, the electoral battle lines for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections are set to become clearer on Thursday. Candidates across the State are making last-minute moves to consolidate their positions, even as concerns over “dummy candidates” continue to cast a shadow over several constituencies.

The scrutiny process has already led to the rejection of 354 nomination papers, significantly narrowing the field. However, in many key constituencies, prominent candidates are still facing the challenge of “aparan” (dummy) contestants — individuals with similar names or backgrounds fielded to confuse voters and potentially split votes.

Political parties and candidates have intensified efforts to persuade such candidates to withdraw from the fray before the deadline expires. Behind-the-scenes negotiations, legal checks, and strategic interventions are underway to minimise the impact of these spoilers on polling day.

Election officials have reiterated that the final list of contesting candidates will only be confirmed after the withdrawal window closes. Until then, uncertainty persists in several high-profile constituencies where the presence of dummy candidates could alter electoral dynamics.

The coming hours are expected to be crucial, with candidates closely monitoring developments and recalibrating campaign strategies accordingly. Once the withdrawal phase concludes, the definitive contesting lineup will emerge, offering a clearer picture of the political landscape ahead of polling.

With the election campaign already gaining momentum, Thursday’s deadline is likely to mark a turning point — not just in determining the final candidates, but also in shaping the intensity and direction of the battle for power in Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman