KOCHI: With all the major political fronts having declared their candidates, Thrikkakara constituency is all set to switch to campaign overdrive. The LDF has fielded Pushpa Das, a long-time CPM party worker, while sitting UDF MLA Uma Thomas will seek a second term. NDA-constituent Twenty20 has fielded Akhil Marar.
Since its formation in 2011, the constituency has without fail sided with the Congress-led UDF. And front workers are confident that this trend will continue. “Community dynamics favour the UDF. There are sizable Muslim and Christian populations. The front has been fielding candidates taking these factors into consideration,” said Praveen, a resident.
The constituency comprises Thrikkakara municipality and 22 divisions of Kochi corporation, of which 20 are represented by UDF councillors. By fielding Uma, the wife of former MLA P T Thomas, the UDF has made it clear that its sole focus will be the margin of victory.
“There is no confusion in Thrikkakara. Uma is the sitting MLA and a well-known figure. The LDF candidate is neither strong nor familiar with voters. Our focus is to prevent Twenty20 from gaining votes in the constituency. Akhil Marar could make an impact, and we have intensified our campaign,” a local Congress leader said.
The constituency was initially represented by Congress’ Benny Behnan. In 2016 and 2021, P T Thomas picked up the reins. Uma was fielded in the 2022 by-election after PT’s death. She defeated LDF’s Dr Jo Joseph by 25,016 votes.
Despite its hold on the constituency, the UDF is wary of an undercurrent of anti-incumbency. “There are several ongoing development projects, including Infopark phase II, Kochi Metro phase II, Seaport-Airport Road development, and Vyttila Mobility Hub. A constituency like Thrikkakara requires a proactive MLA. For several reasons, including health issues, the sitting MLA was neither present in the constituency nor did she initiate any projects. The Congress should have fielded a younger leader,” a Kakkanad resident said.
He believes that the victory margin of the sitting MLA would have significantly decreased if the LDF had fielded a familiar leader. “CPM leaders in the area have been actively working among the public. However, the LDF chose a candidate from Perumbavoor. With Marar as the NDA candidate, and backed by a strong LDF candidate, the constituency would have witnessed change,” he said.
The LDF is also calling for a new dawn. “Voters in Thrikkakara have always sided with the UDF. Development issues of the constituency remain unaddressed. We should be given the chance to usher in change,” a local CPM leader said.