IUML legislator and former minister P.K. Kunhalikutty will be pitted in the coming assembly elections against K.T. Jaleel, who was booted out of the IUML in 2005 after he turned against Kunhalikutty.

Kunhalikutty has been a minister in all the Congress-led United Democratic Front governments since 1991. He had to quit the cabinet in January 2005 after news of his alleged involvement in a 1996 sex scandal shook the state.

Initially, Kunhalikutty tried to avoid a direct confrontation with the firebrand Jaleel in Kuttipuram but gave in to pressure from the party.

Jaleel is sure victory will be his.

"This time Kuttipuram would be his waterloo because for the past 15 years he has been representing it and has brought no development to this place," Jaleel told IANS.

"Instead he has been a five-star legislator keeping the common man at bay."

Kunhalikutty, reputedly a master tactician, defends himself.

"I am not going to say anything about my opponent because people here know me very well. My campaign will not be negative."

On Wednesday night, Kunhalikutty exhibited his power, flagging off his campaign with over 1,000 vehicles.

Not to be outdone, Jaleel reached the Coimbatore prison Wednesday and met People's Democratic Party leader Abdul Nasser Madhaniw, whose enjoys a clout in the constituency.

Till now, the 55-year-old Kunhalikutty never had to worry about winning an election. But there will be no cakewalk if the Left Democratic Front decides to go along with the IUML rebel.