A huge cutout of P K Kunhalikutty at Down Hill junction speaks volumes about the election scenario in Malappuram district. The IUML national general secretary continues to tower over the party, guiding everything from poll strategy to day-to-day manoeuvres.
No doubt, the League appears to be well-ahead of its rivals. This was reflected in the results of recent local body elections too.
The sense of helplessness in taking on the mighty IUML on its home turf was evident during the LDF’s seat discussions. For several days, the CPM struggled to find a suitable candidate for Vallikkunnu.
Left leaders watched anxiously as a ‘rebellion’ brewed, led by old warhorse Abdurrahman Randathani, who was upset over being left out of the League candidate list. However, the revolt was short-lived as Randathani returned to the IUML fold.
Throughout the journey, conversations at tea shops and bakeries are mostly centred on elections. In Vengara, the focus is on a ‘shift’. The exit of Kunhalikutty and the entry of K M Shaji have reshaped the contest.
“Vengara is a League fortress. Since Kunhalikutty shifted to Malappuram, Shaji has been fielded here. So he is capable of winning,” says Razak, an employee at a small bakery.
“On the other hand, LDF candidate Sabah Kundupuzhakkal is a familiar face. His Sabah Square stadium has brought him considerable popularity. We are expecting a close fight.”
In Vallikkunnu, political discussions often blend with football. Groups of young enthusiasts gather on grounds where the sport is more passion than pastime. The recent announcement of a `500-crore stadium on the Calicut University land has stirred excitement.
“Malappuram is known for its love of football. Sevens football started here. We even had a sports minister from this district. But there are no quality stadiums, and the existing ones lack maintenance. We are thrilled about the new stadium and hope it becomes a reality,” gushes a group of youngsters.
Another ‘shift’ emerges during a chai chat. Prominent historian K K N Kurup had earlier announced his decision to contest from Vallikkunnu as an independent candidate, with support from the SDPI. Notably, he had demanded the creation of a new district with Tirur as its headquarters.
As a former vice-chancellor of the university, he promised to transform it into an internationally recognised educational hub. However, he later withdrew from the race citing health reasons.
“We supported him because he backed our long-standing demand for bifurcating the district,” says a local SDPI leader.
A short drive away, at Kondotty, conversations revolve around broader concerns. Development remains the dominant issue, especially among the youth.
Afsal Muhammed, an assistant professor, terms it neglect. “Malappuram is the most populous district in the state, but the budget allocation is not proportionate,” he says.
“Samastha leaders raised the bifurcation demand, but no political party is pursuing it. Perhaps they fear communal complications. It is time a decision is taken.”
In Malappuram town, the larger political picture comes into view. Nasire, 20, a college student, reflects on the district’s political reality while questioning its development trajectory. “Everyone knows IUML dominates Malappuram. We have no issue with that. But leaders should ask whether enough development has been achieved. Has any town here become a tier-one city in the state?” she asks.
Our journey ends in Ponnani, where the sea opens up another strand of conversation. Here, the focus is on tourism. “We have beautiful seashores, estuaries and lakes, but there is no proper development,” says Jusnia, a homemaker.
“Ponnani has many heritage mosques, yet we remain largely absent from the tourism map.”