Sherthalai (Kerala), April 9 (IANS) When K.R. Gowri, 91, was first sworn in as a legislator in the first Kerala assembly in 1957 and then as a minister, Sherthalai legislator P. Thilothaman was not even born. The two now face each other in the April 13 state polls.

 
 Gowri heads the Janadhiyapathyia Samrekshana Samithi (JSS), an ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front. She was one of the foremost Communist leaders in the state, before she was was booted out of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in 1994.
 
 Since 1957, she has contested every assembly poll in Kerala. This year's elections marks her 13th outing.
 
 In her long career, Gowri has lost just twice - in 1977 and 2006. She is returning to contest from this constituency after a gap of 51 years.
 
 After contesting from Sherthalai in her first two polls, she shifted to nearby Aroor constituency.
 
 "Age is never a disability for Gowriamma and she remains youthful as ever. There is no issue at all and victory will be hers," her right hand man and campaign manager Imthihas said.
 
 But her opponent Thilothaman, 53, who represents the Communist Party of India (CPI), is unfazed.
 
 "Didn't she say the same thing in 2006 polls that it would be her last elections? This time too she is saying the same thing. People just cannot be taken for a ride.
 
 "I see no threat....my voters know that in my first outing as a legislator in 2006, I have worked hard and they will elect me," said Thilothaman.
 
 Defence Minister A.K. Antony was elected from this constituency in 1970, 1996 and 2001.