Upon entering Aruvikkara grama panchayat, one may be forgiven for failing to realise that the nondescript locality that formed part of the Aruvikkara Assembly constituency is set to go to the polls in less than three weeks.
The numerous posters of the competing candidates that have been stuck on wayside walls may be the only giveaway.
While the constituency is gearing up for a high-octane electoral battle involving the three major political parties in the State, most areas that came within the Assembly segment are yet to witness a poll frenzy typical of the charged political climate in the State.
Mustafa, who runs a tea shop at Vellanad, says that there have been very few programmes organised in the area in the run-up to the election. “Many traders here are counting on the occasion to earn a little extra. Somehow, despite what is being shown by news channels, we have not seen the buzz that was witnessed during the previous Parliament elections,” he says.
Palpable excitement
At the same time, people of Aryanad, which has been the centre of electioneering, have a different story to tell. Conventions of major political fronts have been organised in the town, which is decked up with posters and flex boards featuring the candidates. The excitement is palpable among residents who have been savouring the media glare for quite a while.
“There has been a lot of activity in our town during the past week. Many of us are getting the opportunity to see several famous leaders all at once for the first time,” Sivan, a resident, says.
