KOCHI: With two former deputy mayors locking horns with each other the election results of Karanakkodam have become unpredictable.
Former councillors Sabu George represents the LDF and T J Vinodh represents the UDF.
Sabu is contesting in the civic polls for the fourth consecutive term. “But this is the first time that I am contesting from my home division. I hope that it will give me a slight advantage as I know the basic needs of the division,” claims Sabu. He said waterlogging and shortage of potable water are the two major problems faced by the ward. “The pipeline that passes through Thammanam Junction used to burst quite often. This is the main reason for the water shortage,” Sabu said. He said the completion of Stadium Link Road will be given priority. The completion of Thammanam-Pulleppady Road is also on his agenda. Sabu entered politics as a student leader. He was the union general secretary at St Paul’s College. He served as Deputy Mayor from 1995 to 2000. T J Vinodh, who contested from the same division last time, is confident that he will overcome his opponent as he has carried out a lot of development activities in the last four years. “Several projects initiated during my term are nearing completion,” Vinodh said.
He also said that the completion of the work of the Stadium Link Road would be given priority. “Waterlogging and improvement of drainages will be given priority.” Vinodh has been a DCC member since 1992. He was the district secretary of the Youth Congress and was elected to the Council thrice. Vinodh served as Deputy Mayor for eight months between 2002 and 2003.
