Posters of the three main contenders for the Aruvikkara bypoll, which is set to take place on June 26.
It may be just 20 km away from the Secretariat, but is considered among the most backward constituencies of Kerala's capital. The Arruvikkara Constituency is headed for a highly charged bypoll on June 26, billed as the first three-cornered bye-election in Kerala.
With Assembly elections due in the state next year, the bypoll is being seen as a test for all the political fronts in the state.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which is facing heat over graft allegations in the state, would be hoping that its candidate, KS Sabarinath, would be able to win on a sympathy wave. His father, G Karthikeyan, had represented the constituency five times before recently dying of cancer. Ironically, Mr Karthikeyan was staunchly opposed to dynastic politics.
"Every decision has a peculiar circumstance. I have been brought into this because only eight months are left to finish projects in this place which my father started and I have an NGO background. This should not be confused with dynastic politics," Mr Sabarinath told NDTV.
The opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) is attacking the UDF on a lack of development, even as it fights internal battles while trying to put up a united front. Its candidate, former minister and Assembly Speaker Vijaykumar was for years known as former Chief Minsiter VS Achuthanandan's close aide until when he deserted him for a rival camp within the CPI (M). However, Mr Achuthanandan has campaigned for Mr Vijaykumar, bringing some relief for the party.
"In the last Parliament elections, this segment was a leading force for the LDF, and we gained over 4000 votes. UDF is already alienated," Mr Vijaykumar believes.
While the Left and the UDF are the usual players in Kerala, the BJP would be looking to make a dent in the bypoll. The party is fielding its biggest name in the state, veteran O Rajagopal, who gave Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor a close battle in Thiruvananthapuram in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
"UDF is mired in corruption charges, and LDF is a divided house. We are expecting votes to split and this will benefit BJP immensely," said Mr Rajagopal.