The spoils remain shared between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) as the Ernakulam district panchayat goes to the fifth election since its formation. Both the fronts have tasted victory twice, but never in consecutive terms, a reason why the LDF fancy its chances this time.
But the UDF, which reduced the LDF to four seats initially and then to three — following a court verdict — in the 26-member panchayat last time is confident of a repeat show albeit with a watered down majority. “The outgoing committee was able to do a lot of good work with the support of the State government, which will bring the UDF back to power,” said K.B. Muhammad Kutty, a former district panchayat president.
Political commentator A. Jayasankar, however, predicted an upper hand for the LDF considering that the district panchayat has gone to rival fronts alternatively and the dichotomy among UDF allies.
P.S. Shyla, a former district panchayat president, said the UDF had been left to fight a double incumbency, that of the State government and the district panchayat.
Delimitation coupled with the elevation of Koothattukulam and Piravom grama panchayats into municipalities has changed the contours of almost all divisions, besides adding an additional division. Notwithstanding its strident opposition to the delimitation allegedly loaded in favour of the UDF, the LDF camp believes that the electorate will see through the ploy and defeat it. Meanwhile, one of the key contests to hog the limelight is underway at Kalady division where the LDF has fielded Sarada Mohan, daughter of the late CPI leader P.K. Vasudevan Nair. Media critic and constitutional expert Sebastian Paul said that notwithstanding the largely urban perception to the contrary, the district panchayat continued to remain relevant for their significance for the rural people.
Out of the 27 seats, the Congress is contesting 19 seats and the CPI(M) 16 seats, leaving the rest to their respective allies.
Despite contesting in 25 seats on the back of panchayat-level understandings with the SNDP Yogam, Bharatiya Janata Party is unlikely to open its account in the district panchayat.
