The upcoming election in Kerala is a critical moment for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) as G Sudhakaran, a long-time party member, has defected to run as an Independent with support from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). With only a week left until polling, the atmosphere in the temple town is surprisingly quiet, with little visible campaign activity. Sudhakaran, now nearly 80, is seen navigating the streets in a red jeep, often unrecognizable under layers of clothing and a sun hat. His campaign rhetoric emphasizes the virtues of the Congress party, contrasting sharply with his former comrades. Meanwhile, H Salam, the CPI(M) candidate and sitting MLA, is confident in his ability to counter Sudhakaran's strategies, suggesting that the BJP's candidate choice could further divide votes, potentially benefiting Sudhakaran. The dynamics of this election reflect not only the personal stakes for the candidates but also the broader political landscape in Kerala.