Kozhikode, April 19 -- The politically volatile north Kerala is witnessing a fierce battle between the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-headed UDF in the three Lok Sabha constituencies - Vadakara, Kannur and Kasaragod, to wrest them from the rival front in the April 23 election.

While the main battle is between the two fronts in Kerala, the BJP has emerged as a significant player after extending support to the Sabarimala devotees. How the saffron party fares in the bipolar polity of the southern state is being keenly watched by political observers.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has fielded its strongman P Jayarajan, to reclaim Vadakara from state Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran who had won the seat with...