Municipal elections in the district were a cake walk for the United Democratic Front in 2010, with all the four municipalities falling into their kitty, though they lost one to the LDF during the last leg of the five-year term. However, with the emergence of the Bharatiya Janata Party-Samathwa Munnani combine as a third force and the presence of a large number of Independents in the fray, the political landscape of the municipalities have gone for a makeover. With the addition of Ettumanur and Erattupetta, the number of municipalities in the district has increased to six.
The fight in Erattupetta is keenly watched as the outcome may decide the political future of P.C. George, the new LDF ally. An island of Indian Union Muslim League influence in the district, Erattupetta is viewed as a UDF stronghold. But with 90 candidates in the fray for 28 seats, it may be the large number of Independents who will tilt the balance after elections, it is believed.
Erattupetta was in the news during the delimitation exercise on account of the vast disparity in the number of voters in various wards, leading to the allegation that the IUML would unduly benefit from the process.
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The BJP alliance hopes to make an impact in Kottayam, Ettumanur and Vaikom municipalities as hung councils in any of these municipalities could turn alliance the kingmakers. The alliance is contesting 51 of the 52 wards in Kottayam, 15 of them by the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam. The combine has 28 candidates in the 35-member Ettumanur municipality and is contesting 22 seats in the 26-member Vaikom municipality.
Changanassery came into LDF hands during the last leg of the five-year term, but they are hopeful of returning to power on account of their performance during the short period. However, the NSS is being perceived as the silent player in the elections here. UDF leaders believe that they are comfortably perched in Pala where the rebel menace is the lowest for the coalition. They are also banking on the good relationship they have with the Meenachil union of the SNDP.
Outcome in Erattupetta crucial for P.C. George
BJP hopeful of Kottayam, Ettumanur, Vaikom