Alappuzha, April 6 -- As Keralam prepares to vote for its 140-member Assembly on April 9, the Haripad constituency in Alappuzha district has emerged as a high-stakes battleground.

Currently represented by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, Haripad has long been a stronghold of the party. Chennithala, a former Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, first won the seat in 1982 and has since cemented his dominance, winning multiple terms, including his third consecutive victory in 2021. He is once again contesting as the UDF candidate, aiming to retain the constituency.

Located in Kerala's Alappuzha district within the traditionally Left-leaning Onattukara region, Haripad is witnessing shifting political dynamics. While historically influence...