ust as in the case of its diverse geographical variations and cultural identities, the political preferences of Palakkad district may also seem divided.
While the LDF believes the whole district is its bastion, especially with its two candidates winning the last Lok Sabha election with thumbing margins, the BJP is bullish about wresting Palakkad municipality. This could mean a keen triangular contest. Palakkad municipality is where the BJP has the largest number of councillors in the State.
BJP president Amit Shah’s arrival a few months ago has enthused its workers who are vocal about the claimed prospects of ruling the municipality, which has a substantial Tamil population. The party has tried to project a broader Hindutva plank by fielding both the NSS and SNDP leaders as party backed independents this poll.
However, the crucial Tamil Brahmin community remains non-committal saying it wished to be equidistant to all political formations.
The LDF had started early, working in earnest on minority votes by capitalising on key social issues, to counter the BJP onslaught. It claims to be in position to take on both the BJP and the UDF. Though hit by a series of alleged scandals, the UDF is carefully choosing candidates free from taints and has been campaigning by highlighting achievements of the previous municipal dispensation.
Greater prospects
Among the municipalities, the UDF has greater prospects in the newly constituted Pattambi, where it has several traditional pocket boroughs. The left hopes to retain control of Shoranur and Ottappalam municipalities, especially since it does not face a threat of factionalism unlike in the last local bodies election.
The UDF is looking to improve its tally, despite strong anti-incumbency wave, in Chittur- Thathamangalam and Mannarkkad, while Cherppulassery may prefer the LDF.
Among the grama panchayats, the tide may seem to favour the UDF in Attappady and Pattambi regions even if the Left has an overall edge. In Chittur region, the return of the K. Krishnankutty faction to the Janata Dal (Secular) may boost the LDF prospects.
For district panchayats, the LDF has fielded new faces in all seats this time. It may be no surprise if it retains the district panchayat, which had successfully implemented several decentralisation-related initiatives.
Among the 13 block panchayats, the LDF clearly has an upper hand in most, while the UDF hopes to retain control over Attappady, Thrithala, Pattambi, and Nenmara.
