KOCHI: Thrikkakara Municipality, the biggest revenue-generating civic body in the state owing to its commercial aspects - the presence of Infopark, Smart City, Special Economic Zone and many other business establishments - can claim to be a ‘smart municipality’ than any other local body. But, unfortunately, the municipality has always attracted attention for the wrong reasons - the factional feuds in the council between the two factions of the Congress parliamentary party.
Ever since the municipality was formed in 2010, the ‘I’ faction leader Shaji Vazhakkala and the ‘A’ group leader P I Mohammed Ali have fought for the chairman’s post. The non-confidence motion moved by ‘A’ faction against Works Standing Committee chairperson Ajitha Thankappan was also witnessed during this period. The scuffle in the ruling front also resulted in stalling many developmental activities in the municipality. In this election, the LDF and the BJP are using the internal politics of the Congress as a campaign plank to register a win over the Congress.
“When it comes to election, we are all UDF, there is no ‘I’ or ‘A’ faction and the main aim is to win maximum seats,” said P I Mohammed Ali, Chairman, Thrikkakara Municipality.
“In the present situation, we can win more than 30 seats. The fight inside the party is a political one and such issues are present everywhere. But, as a ruling front, we could implement a number of developmental projects in all the 43 wards and that will help us win more seats in this election,” said Mohammed Ali, who has stayed away from contesting this time for giving an opportunity to youngsters. However, CPM leader and opposition councillor M A Mohanan said that the LDF would bag 30 seats in the municipality. “The lackadaisical attitude of the UDF council to development will be our mantra to attract votes. People of this constituency are fed up with the corrupt administration of the UDF-led council,” said Mohanan.
He added that many projects failed to take off owing to the factional feuds in the ruling front and this would definitely reflect in the election result. “Projects such as potable water supply scheme utilising the abandoned quarry initiated with assistance from the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project, a modern abattoir, Thrikkakara bus stand renovation, market renovation, construction of dining hall as a part of Kakkanad community hall, construction of synthetic track and pavilion at Kakkanad municipal stadium, expansion of Thrikkakara primary health centre, renovation of Buds School and ‘Pakalveedu’, smart hub project, construction of flats for the homeless people at Vannachira and the Pazhangattuchaal tourism project and Zero-waste project are the unkept promises of the Congress-led council. Several financial irregularities also took place during their rule. They spent the last five years sharing posts than launching developmental activities. So, it is certain that people won’t vote for them in this election,” said Mohanan.
According to UDF’s Shaji Vazhakkala, former chairman who is also contesting from Padamugal ward, “We are proud that Thrikkakara Municipality implemented several developmental projects during these five years. The municipal park and library, Ayyankali thozhilurappu kendram, online facility and renovation of office building are examples. There are projects which took some time to complete, like the Pazhangattuchal tourism project, renovation of Kakkanad municipal stadium and some others, which will kick-start as soon as the funds are allotted. From 2000 to 2010, it was the LDF that ruled the area when it was a panchayat and compared to that period, the UDF council could bring about tremendous changes in the last five years.”
Both the major fronts - LDF and UDF - can’t dismiss the presence of the BJP, which is sensing victory in a few wards. “The BJP will contest in 35 seats, of which we will be in alliance in six seats. There is no doubt that our party will win at least in 10 wards,” said Lal Chand, secretary, BJP Thrikkakara Municipality.