The issue of development has taken the centre stage in the initial phase of electioneering in Kozhikode.
The fight is mainly between A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, of the CPI(M) and M.K. Raghavan who is seeking a third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha as the Congress candidate. The BJP is yet to announce its candidate.
Focal points
Posters and conventions highlight the achievements of these leaders. Mr. Pradeepkumar, a two-time MLA, focusses on his plans for the Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency while Mr. Raghavan is banking on his decade-long achievements.
However, the CPI(M) has accused Mr. Raghavan of wasting 10 years.
They allege that Kozhikode has lost several Centrally-sponsored schemes.
But UDF leaders say even Mr. Raghavan’s detractors will vouch for his achievements. About 475 big and small projects have been funded through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), they add.
Another highlight is the redevelopment of the Kozhikode railway station. Now, the project is in the second phase, they point out.
They also highlight the resumption of operation of wide-bodied aircraft at the Calicut airport. On several occasions, Mr. Raghavan had taken up the issue with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and had even observed a hunger strike for the cause, they claim.
‘Still on paper’
However, the CPI(M) says that all the promises made by Mr. Raghavan are still on paper.
Some of the railway stations in the Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency, be it West Hill, Vellayil, Feroke and Kadalundi, remain underdeveloped, they say.
They add that Elamaram Karim, MP, had also raised the issue of the airport in the Rajya Sabha.
