West Kochi has always maintained its cultural identity even while being part of the larger Kochi landscape. When it comes to politics too, the region has evolved a distinctive identity over the decades. This is one part of the city where the Muslim and Christian caste politics have been playing a significant role in electoral politics.
The electorate of West Kochi spoke in favour of the UDF during the last local body polls as the front won 17 of the 28 divisions in the Kochi Corporation. Despite its strong organisational politics, the LDF was reduced to 10 seats and one seat went to Shyamala S. Prabhu, the BJP councillor who completed quarter century as a civic representative.
Internal squabbles
As the electioneering has entered the crucial phase, internal squabbles are worrying the UDF camp as most of its rebels are contesting the election from the region. Besides some of the sitting councillors, a few prominent Congress workers too have put up stiff fight in the region, which may impact the poll prospects of the Front. It is from this region that the Indian Union Muslim League gets maximum representation in the Kochi Corporation area.
Of the three League councillors, two were elected from West Kochi last time. This time around, four of the seven candidates of the party are seeking mandate from the region. It will not be a smooth ride for Ms. Prabhu, the State BJP vice president, who is seeking another term as she is facing opposition from the saffron camp itself. The LDF too has its bags of worry as T.K. Shamsudheen, a two-time CPI (M) councillor and a former Standing Committee chairman of the LDF, is contesting the election as an independent candidate.
While the UDF highlights the development works introduced in the region during its term including the project to introduce a Roll-On Roll Off water transport facility, the LDF focuses its attention on the lack of infrastructural facilities in the region. The Fort Kochi boat tragedy, which the LDF used as a pre-poll campaign platform, is no longer a major election agenda.
