UDF candidate P.C. Vishnunadh during election campaigning in Kundara Assembly constituency in Kollam on April 4, 2026. | Photo credit: C. SURESHKUMAR
The electoral landscape in Kundara is reaching fever pitch as the three major fronts intensify their outreach programmes, each adding a unique energy to the campaign. From places of worship to cashew factories and busy junctions, the air is thick with political rhetoric and promises of a transformed future for this important constituency in Kollam.
At a local cashew factory, sitting MLA PC Vishnunadh of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) sets a personal and empathetic tone. Known for his approachable demeanor, Mr Vishnunadh spends considerable time listening to the grievances of women workers whose livelihoods are tied to the struggling cashew sector. His campaign strategy relies heavily on his availability and track record over the past five years, which he describes as being “with the people” at every developmental milestone.
He invites skeptics to verify his performance through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, putting himself in the position of a hard-working opposition MP who had to deal with government discrimination to get projects off the ground. Confident of his 2021 ‘attimari vijayam’ against J Mercykutty Amma, Mr Vishnunadh remains confident that the people will ignore the baseless allegations and reward him with an even bigger majority this time, predicting a landslide victory for the UDF in 100 seats across the state.
LDF candidate SL Sajikumar during campaigns in Kundara. | Photo credit: C. SURESHKUMAR
In Kottamkara, SL Sajikumar of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) presents a very different story, focusing on what he describes as a period of stagnation. His campaign is characterized by high-energy interactions — waving to supporters and engaging in discussions about the political relevance of the polls. Mr. Sajikumar’s main argument is that while Kerala has progressed rapidly, Kundara has lagged behind under the current leadership. She often refers to the legacy of Ms. Mercykutty Amma and notes that development works worth ₹1,400 crore were implemented during her tenure. According to Mr. Sajikumar, the current MLA has only touched on these existing projects without starting anything new. He promises a complete overhaul of the constituency and pledges to bring several projects to mark Kundara’s presence on the map in all sectors if the Left returns to power.
The third dimension of the contest is Robin Radhakrishnan of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), who has injected celebrity charisma and a focus on “change” into the campaign.
NDA candidate Robin Radhakrishnan during election campaigning in Kundara Assembly constituency in Kollam on Saturday. | Photo credit: C. SURESHKUMAR
He passes through Elampallur with a spirited entourage in tow, stopping to ask for the blessing of an elderly woman who responds by placing a gentle hand on his head. His assessment of the current state of affairs is scathing, claiming that progress in vital sectors such as health, education and infrastructure has stalled. Dr. Promising to reinvent Kundara as a model constituency, Robin offers a bold political pledge to bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the region within 90 days of his victory and give residents a direct channel to express their concerns to the country’s top leadership.
As the candidates move across the constituency, voters are presented with three distinct visions: Mr. Vishnunadh’s call for continuity, Mr. Sajikumar’s promise of a brighter era, and Dr. Robin after a radical shift towards a model future supported by a union government. With the high stakes of the seat mirroring Kerala’s wider political climate, the Kundaro trail is not just about local issues but also a fight for the very identity of the future of the constituency.
Published – 05 Apr 2026 01:50 IST
