Get ready, Kollam voters! The Kollam Corporation, ruled without break by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) since 2000, is gearing up for yet another high-stakes election in 2025. The LDF has been the town’s big boss for 25 years straight, winning with thunderous majorities. In 2020, they bagged 39 out of 55 seats, crushing the United Democratic Front (UDF) who could only manage 9 seats, while the BJP grabbed 6 seats and stood second in 14 divisions. But hold your breath, because this time the game is shaking up with fresh faces and fiery fights. The mighty Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) has taken a bold step—they are not keeping a single old councillor from the current council! Instead, they’re mixing the new with some experienced old-timers. The CPI(M) is contesting in 36 out of 56 divisions, while their ally CPI is in the ring for 17 seats, including backing strong leaders like district secretariat member V.K. Aniruddhan and ex-Mayor V. Rajendrababu. Incumbent Mayor Honey Benjamin from CPI is also making a comeback. For the UDF, the 2025 battles are a make-or-break moment. Their 2020 shocker took their seats down to 9 from 16. This time, they are fighting harder, giving 11 seats to the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and 5 to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Hot clashes are on fire! Congress mayoral candidate A.K. Hafees faces CPI(M) leader A.M. Iqbal in Thamarakulam, while in Vadakkumbhagam, Congress’s Kuruvila Joseph takes on Mayor Honey Benjamin. Veterans like Udaya Sukumaran Karumalil and Mahila Congress leader Laila Kumari bolster their team. RSP’s star M.S. Gopakumar is also in the thick of it in Anchalumoodu. Don't forget the BJP's charge! Since tripling their seats in 2020, the National Democratic Alliance aims even higher. With strong candidates like S. Dinny in Vadakkevila and some current councillors, BJP eyes a surprise leap. But not all glitter is gold. Despite flashy announcements, Kollam faces serious grumbles about slow progress. The opposition lashes out at stalled mega-projects, calling them mere vote-getting stunts. Waste disposal issues and other civic woes haunt the town. However, LDF defends its record, saying repeated wins prove people trust their leadership. So, the big question is—will Kollam’s voters bite the fresh faces and promises of change, or stick with LDF’s tried and tested rule? The 2025 election will be the ultimate test of LDF’s stronghold amid growing challenges from UDF and BJP. Fasten your seat belts, Kollam—this political drama is about to get spicy!