The campaign for local body elections in the town and nearby panchaths, going to be held on October 23, has gained momentum over the last week. With just a day to go for the end of campaigning, all the major parties have shifted their campaigning to top gear.
The initial stage of campaigning was hit by the heavy rains. As usual, LDF had quietly surged ahead during this stage with family get-togethers and election conventions of affiliated service associations. But once the rain gods relented, UDF workers too made their presence felt. At present, there are no clear winners, if campaigning is anything to go by. Still, there are some interesting happenings.
UDF and LDF are neck and neck in Attingal and Varkala municipalities and nearby panchayaths such as Chirayinkeehu, Kadakkavoor, Vakkom, Manambur, Ottoor, Mudackal, Chemmaruthi, Karavaram, Nagaroor, Pazhayakunnummel, Pallickal, Navaikulam, Madavoor, and Kilimanoor. Most of these panchayaths are traditional Marxist strongholds. Even in the last Loksabha elections, in which there was an obvious trend towards UDF in the state, LDF had won the Chirayinkeezhu Loksabha constituency quite easily. Naturally, local Marxist leaders are reasonably upbeat about their chances. But Congress leaders are no short of confidence either.
One remarkable aspect is the virtual absence of BJP from election campaigning fray in Attingal and nearby areas. True, there are some posters and banners of BJP candidates. But their campaigning has been lackluster so far. Even BSP and SDPI have outperformed BJP in campaigning. The strong show put up by SDPI, particularly in Muslim dominated areas like Mananakku, has surprised many. Both LDF and UDF leaders are quick to claim that the presence of political outsiders like BSP and SDPI is going to them.
Another curious aspect is the campaigning of DHRM. They are not seeking votes for their candidates, as other parties do. Only thing they request is to vote for their symbol, which is drum. They are urging all to act against the atrocities committed by Marxist party against Dalits.
There is certainly a four-way tie as far as the scrambling for Dalit votes goes. BSP, SDPI, and DHRM are trying to eat into the traditional pro-Marxist Dalit vote bank. They are not going to succeed entirely. But still, they can dent LDF’s chances in at least some wards.
The list of candidates for local body elections in Attingal and other places can be found from this page.
The following are some photos of posters from in and around Attingal.
The following are some photos of posters from in and around Attingal.
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