Thiruvananthapuram, 21 March (H.S.):With the deadline for filing nomination papers for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections fast approaching, political activity has intensified across the state. Several prominent leaders are set to submit their nomination papers today, marking a crucial phase in the electoral process.

Among those filing nominations are State ministers V. Sivankutty, P.A. Mohammed Riyas, and Saji Cherian. Senior Congress leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC president Sunny Joseph, and K. Muraleedharan, will also file their papers today. From the BJP, state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. Muraleedharan, and R. Sreelekha are scheduled to submit nominations.

In Ambalappuzha, former minister G. Sudhakaran, contesting as an independent candidate, will file his nomination. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, contesting from Dharmadam, had already filed his nomination on Thursday. The filing process is unfolding amid vibrant campaign activities, including roadshows and public outreach programmes by various candidates.

Only two working days remain for nomination submission, with March 23 (Monday) being the final date. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 24, while March 26 is the last date for withdrawal. Polling is scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4.

While the LDF and NDA alliances announced candidates soon after the election schedule was declared, both fronts are yet to finalise nominees in a few constituencies. The UDF, despite initial delays, has now announced candidates in all 140 constituencies.

The LDF still has candidates to be announced in five constituencies. Though actor Sudheer Karamana has been considered for a Thiruvananthapuram seat, an official announcement is pending. The Tanur seat remains vacant after Minister V. Abdurahiman shifted to Tirur. A decision is also awaited in Mankada. The INL has been allotted seats in Kasaragod and Vallikkunnu, but candidate announcements are pending.

Similarly, the BJP-led NDA has not completed its candidate selection, having released names for 86 constituencies in two phases so far.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman