KOTTAYAM: Traditionally, Kottayam, which is the nerve centre of Central Travancore politics, is known as a bastion of the UDF. Though, the election statistics over the years substantiate this claim, with the emergence of BDJS under the NDA fold, the land of latex is keeping a fire within to make surprise toppling in many of the constituencies.
Kottayam has already drawn the attention of the state with the presence of political heavyweights like Oommen Chandy, K M Mani and P C George in the fray. Interestingly, being the stronghold of Kerala Congress parties, five Kerala Congress factions are seeking mandate from the district - Kerala Congress (M), Kerala Congress (Scaria Thomas), Kerala Congress (Secular - P C George) Kerala Congress (P C Thomas) and Kerala Congress (Democratic).
BJP-BDJS factor
Though the NDA is contesting in all the nine constituencies in the district, their presence will be critical in Ettumanoor, Vaikom and Kanjirappally segments. In Vaikom and Ettumanoor, the percentage of Hindu votes is around 77 and 53 respectively, where BDJS candidates are contesting. In Kanjirappally, it is 47 pc. Though, a victory is far from the sight, their vote share will be critical for both UDF and LDF. While votes to be gained by BJP candidate in Kanjirappally are likely to affect the UDF candidate, BDJS candidates’ vote share appears to affect LDF candidates in Ettumanoor and Vaikom.
Major Poll Issues
Before the announcement of the Assembly election, the major poll plank of all the political parties was the crisis in rubber sector and ensuing sufferings of farmers. When campaigning gathered momentum, rubber price started increasing and reached a better position by now. While the LDF raises issues in paddy sector, traditional sectors like coir, and closure of bars, along with corruption cases like Solar and bar bribery cases, the UDF is pinning its hopes on developments, in which they point out new bridges, high quality roads and others.
The BJP dismisses both and promises Modi-style development in the district. Even while campaigning is centred on these issues, communal equations will be crucial in the district. Kottayam district is having the highest number of Christians in the state with 43.48 pc, while the Muslim population is 6.41 pc and Hindus 49.81 pc. Being a consolidated vote bank, Christians have crucial role in the election. They are the leading community in Kaduthuruthi, Pala, Poonjar and Puthuppally Assembly segments, while Hindus dominate in other segments.
Unpredictable Poonjar
Poonjar is in a fierce four-cornered fight with the UDF, LDF, NDA and Independent P C George in the fray and it has become a battle of pride for all the candidates and the CPM state leadership as well. While statistics gives a slight edge for LDF candidate, the result is totally unpredictable in the high voltage battle.