NK Premachandran (left) and MA Baby
In Kerala's politically sensitive Kollam district, it's red versus red. CPM leader and sitting legislator MA Baby is pitched against NK Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), one of the founding members of the Left Democratic Front or LDF.
It is a tale of friends for over 30 years turning foes after being denied the Kollam seat.
The RSP walked out of the LDF after the Kollam seat was denied to them and has now joined the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), both in the state and at the Centre.
"CPI (M) is marginalising its Left constituents and they are deviating from the basic political philosophy of Left politics," said Premachandran, a former MP.
As the two leaders campaign in Chadiyamangalam, a village named after a CPI(M) leader, for the people of Kollam 2014 Lok Sabha elections are being redefined, politically and emotionally. The people here are clearly demarcated in their loyalties to political parties.
Rajendran K, an electrician, believes the UDF will win. "Kollam has been discarded by leaders. We need development and Premachandran is a leader who will stand his ground," he said.
But K Sindhu is a representative from the rival group. "I will vote for CPI(M). I have supported them from my birth and will continue to vote for them only."
MA Baby puts up a brave face to the new challenge. "RSP votes are nearly 13000-19000, but from within RSP, there are many who cannot vote for congress under any circumstances, we will get their votes too," he says.
In Kollam, the stakes are high for both the sides and even a small shift in their support base will make all the difference between victory and defeat.