KOZHIKODE: Soon after the Janathipathya Rashtriya Party (JRP) was inducted as an associate member of the United Democratic Front (UDF), the party has announced that it will seek two seats in the upcoming assembly elections – Mananthavady and Balussery. This development has brought renewed focus on the possible candidature of senior tribal leader C K Janu, especially in Mananthavady, which she describes as her political and social “root”.
Explaining the party’s stand, Janu said Mananthavady was a natural choice given her long-standing association with the region, while Balussery was being sought as it is a scheduled caste-reserved constituency. “Mananthavady is where my political journey and struggles began. Balussery is an SC-reserved seat, and we believe both constituencies are crucial for ensuring true representation of marginalised communities,” Janu said.
With the JRP formally aligning with the UDF, political discussions in Wayanad have intensified around Janu’s possible entry into the fray from Mananthavady. She has already expressed her willingness to contest from the constituency and has urged the UDF leadership to consider her candidature seriously.
“The political situation in Mananthavady is favourable for the UDF. If the front is committed to justice for tribal community and landless communities, my candidature should be given due consideration,” she said. Janu has also indicated her readiness to take on minister O R Kelu, the sitting MLA from Mananthavady.
Following the Muthanga incident, Janu formed the JRP and later aligned with the NDA, contesting two assembly elections from Sultan Bathery constituency, where she finished third both times. Janu said her party has witnessed an unexpected surge in organisational strength after associating with the UDF. “Surprisingly, soon after our association with the UDF, the party has seen massive growth. We have now formed committees in all 14 districts of Kerala,” she said.
Within the UDF, Mananthavady is being assessed as a constituency with strong electoral potential. The front drew confidence from its impressive performance in the recent local body elections, where it secured a lead of over 11,000 votes in the Mananthavady region.