Malappuram, June 4, June 4 -- As Nilambur gears up for a high-stakes by-election on June 19, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is emerging as the early frontrunner in what is shaping up to be one of Kerala's most closely watched political contests in recent years.

With a high-voltage multi-cornered fight unfolding, the Congress appears to have struck a chord on the ground, backed by a coordinated, well-oiled campaign machine and a calculated consolidation of anti-Left sentiments.

The UDF has fielded Aryadan Shoukath, son of veteran Congress leader Aryadan Muhammed, in a move that blends political legacy with grassroots credibility.

Over the past fortnight, Shoukath has covered majority of the local bodies in the constituen...