The predominantly agricultural region of Kuzhalmandam was rechristened as Tharoor during the last delimitation drive. But that has in no way affected the political character of the Left bastion. With CPI(M) central committee member and former minister A.K. Balan seeking another term, the LDF has made its intentions clear.
In the seat-sharing talks last week, the UDF leadership allocated the seat to the Kerala Congress (Jacob) as a consolation to Angamaly. The Kerala Congress (Jacob) has been allocated only two seats, Piravom and Tharoor.
However, the party is now forcing the UDF to take back the seat as it has no leaders or followers in Tharoor. UDF sources indicate that the constituency would be taken over by the Congress. However, the party is facing the challenge of finding a suitable candidate to take on Mr. Balan.
The BJP has negligible presence in the constituency. Its working class character has always helped the Left to maintain an upper hand here. Mr. Balan is seeking re-election by listing out his major achievements including roads, drinking water, and infrastructure.
The Congress is considering Kuzhalmandam grama panchayat president C. Prakash and youth leader N.K. Sudheer as its possible candidate.
