Varkala is set for Tight contest, but LDF holds edge

Varkala has traditionally witnessed bipolar contests between the LDF and the UDF, with the BJP often giving the seat to its ally BDJS.

A woman rides past a wall covered with poll campaign posters at Mylamoodu, near Varkala  Photo | BP Deepu

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The coastal constituency of Varkala is gearing up for a closely watched electoral battle in the upcoming assembly election. Though sitting CPM MLA V Joy remains the frontrunner, the entry of BJP candidate Smitha Sudarshan, a former CPM area committee member, has added a new dimension to the contest. The UDF has fielded Varkala Kahar, banking on anti-incumbency sentiment and consolidation of its traditional vote base.

K Baby, a resident of Varkala, feels that a change would be welcome. “There is nothing wrong with sitting MLA V Joy, but this time I would like to vote for the UDF candidate. His performance was good, but I prefer a change,” he said.

Varkala has traditionally witnessed bipolar contests between the LDF and the UDF, with the BJP often giving the seat to its ally BDJS. The entry of Advocate Smitha Sudarshan as the BJP candidate has surprised many voters in the constituency.

Vamanan P, an elderly voter, believes the sudden shift in party affiliation could affect her political prospects. “BJP is known for such tactics. She is a familiar face here and has been an active CPM leader for years. This is the first time the BJP is fielding its own candidate here. Usually, the seat is given to BDJS. However, the main contest will still be between the UDF and the LDF. Both candidates are strong and have performed well in their previous roles,” he said.

Two-term MLA V Joy, on both previous occasions, had secured victories with comfortable margins against UDF candidates.

“The BJP does not stand much of a chance, and the fight is mainly between the UDF and the LDF. V Joy has made a positive impact through his performance over the past decade,” said Rendeer P B, another resident.

A woman carrying a pot of water walks past election hoardings and posters at Sivagiri in Varkala, reflecting the blend of daily life and the ongoing campaign buzz ahead of assembly elections in state

Varkala

Total voters

1,83,143 candidates

V Joy - LDF

Age - 60

Edu - LLB

Immovable assets - I27,20,000

Movable assets - I18,81,769

Varkala Kahar - UDF Age -75

Edu - Predegree

Assets - I10,98,78

Immovable assets -nil

Smitha Sudarshan - BJP

A Lookback - 2021 assembly elections

V Joy (CPM)

Runner up - B R M Shafeer (INC)

Margin -17,821

2016

V Joy (CPM)

Runner up - Varkala Kahar (INC)

Margin -2,386

2011 Varkala Kahar

Runner up - A A Raheem

Margin - 10,730