Remaining a bachelor is proving to be an added advantage for UDF candidate Dean Kuriakose to have an edge over other candidates in taking up rigorous poll campaigning.
Dean, who has made history by becoming the first bachelor candidate representing the UDF to fight the Lok Sabha elections, is working hard to crack another record of becoming the maiden unmarried MP from the constituency.
The 32-year-old Dean is showing tremendous energy to carry out campaigning across the district, which is a tough job.
“Unlike in other districts, the population in Idukki is spread out and it is tough to reach the voters. Added to the woes is the increasing mercury,” a Congress worker said.
Agreeing that remaining a bachelor has helped him tremendously in concentrating on the campaign, Dean told Express that he is definitely missing his home while remaining constantly on the campaign trail. But such matters are not serious when compared to the polls, he said.
Dean’s mother Rosamma Kuriakose said that she is really missing his presence at home. “But I have got used to. His busy days started after he took over as the president of the Youth Congress state unit. Watching him on TV is a great relief. He often calls us over phone,” she said.
Dean, who was the Youth congress president of Idukki parliament constituency has tremendous experience in the exercise as compared to his nearest rival Joyce George, who is an Independent, supported by LDF and High Range Samrakshana Samiti.
Joyce George, too, is feeling the pinch of missing his family. Joyce, who is not much experienced at the hustings, is also at the disadvantage of being a decade older to Dean.
“It is really difficult to keep off from the family. Especially my son during his exams,” Joyce said.
He said that his wife, son and other family members have been giving good support, which has made it possible for him to take up the long campaigns. Sabu Varghese of the BJP, decade elder to Joyce, is facing added difficulty in spending time with family based in Ernakulam.
