Kerala local body polls: CPI(M) plays second fiddle to Kerala Congress (M) in Catholic heartland

In several seats across Central Travancore, CPI(M) is contesting without its iconic election symbol, while KC(M), despite being the junior partner, retains its ‘two leaves’ symbol everywhere. Though CPI(M) terms it a move to appear inclusive, local leaders say voters in the Christian belt are unlikely to support the party symbol