Kerala assembly elections: Age no factor for 92-year old V S Achuthanandan as he battles for Malampuzha

Having spent over 70 years in Kerala politics, VS is way ahead of his political opponents, both in experience and campaigning style

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Key contestants: V S Achuthanandan (LDF), V S Joy (UDF)

Sitting MLA: V S Achuthanandan (CPM) 

1) V S Achuthanandan

Strengths: 

One of the most popular leaders in Kerala and a crowd puller for LDF, the 92-year old former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition also known popularly as 'VS' has reinvented himself in this election. Using social media- facebook and an app - to his advantage, the fire brand communist leader is not just campaigning in his own constituency but the entire state. Malampuzha, situated in Palakkad district is a traditional stronghold of LDF and has never elected any other party ever since the constituency was carved out in 1965. In 2011, VS had won by 20,017 votes against Congress candidate Lathika Subhash. Known for his razor sharp oratory and ability to cut down political opponents to size with his unique dialogue delivery, VS has yet again shown in this election how he has managed to dominate state politics for the last 70 years. 

Weakness: 

While he is a mass leader, VS has traditionally faced his toughest opponents from within the party. He is often accused of creating factional feuds for his own selfish gains. But with the LDF showing more unity than the ruling UDF this election, VS is unlikely to sweat much for victory. The only complaint locals have about VS is that he is like a migratory bird since he spends most of the time in Thiruvananthapuram where he resides due to his role, either as Opposition leader or Chief Minister. There are also complaints about lack of any major development work in the constituency.  

2) V S Joy 

Strengths:

Former leader of Kerala Students' Union (students' union of Congress party), 29-year old Joy is targeting the youth with age being his sole calling card. At best, he can hope to reduce the victory margin of VS. 

Weakness:

Anti-incumbency is the biggest factor. The constituency is also a LDF stronghold and with VS firing up the imagination of the communist party workers, it is going to be an uphill task to convince the voters to think otherwise.

Likely result:

V S Achuthanandan's victory is certain given the large number of crowds he has managed to attract in his constituency