he CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) will have to sweat it out against the United Democratic Front (UDF) if it is to pull off a simple majority at Payyoli panchayat, when it goes to polls early in November with its new identity as a Municipality. The UDF has been ruling the 23-member panchayat with 15 members while the CPI(M), the only seat-winning constituent of the front had only eight members to its credit.
The poll scene became particularly spirited at Payyoli with the Muslim League (IUML) deciding to rope in a seasoned fighter and a strong woman candidate P. Kulsu, chairperson of the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation to lead the battle from the front. Ms. Kulsu is also being projected as the chairperson candidate of the front.
The UDF heaved a sigh of relief at the eleventh hour when as many as 10 Congress’ rebel candidates withdrew the nomination on Saturday, succumbing to pressures from the party leadership. “Now that we are all set for the polls and to return to power at Payyoli municipality,” says P.V. Ahamed, chairman of the UDF municipal election committee. “Ms. Kulsu’s leadership is our USP this time,” he said.
The LDF, however, only has the anti-incumbency feeling and the alleged “lack of development” at the local body. With the upgradation, the number of seats at the local body has gone up to 36. The CPI(M) is fielding its candidates in as many as 31 seats while only three is given to the CPI and two to the Congress(S).
Senior councillor V.T. Usha is leading the battle as a possible chairperson candidate. The party leadership believes that there is a strong anti-incumbency sentiment among Payyoli voters. “People are highly disappointed with the last term of the UDF and it will be reflected clearly in elections,” says P.V. Ramachandran, senior party worker and local committee secretary of the party from Payyoli. Though there is a strong presence of Bharatiya Janata Party in some of the coastal villages of the municipality, their strength is not enough to win a seat, says Mr. Ramachandran. The LDF, according to him has put a “development-oriented” manifesto before the people. “That will surely show result this time,” he says.
People are highly disappointed with the last term of the UDF and it will be reflected clearly in elections, says an LDF leader.
