Countdown to Puthuppally Elections: Eight Days Remaining
Amidst the fervor of Uthradam, while Malayalees across the state are engaged, Puthuppally finds itself immersed in a heated atmosphere of accusations, counter-accusations, and online disputes. The three political fronts are actively engaging with voters in preparation for the upcoming elections, scheduled to take place eight days from today. With the campaign in full swing, candidates Chandi Oommen, Jaick C Thomas, and Lijin Lal are operating like a well-coordinated machine. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ignited a fresh debate by highlighting the developmental accomplishments of the LDF government and alleging a political nexus between the UDF and BJP.
Simultaneously, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal responded by asserting that all these advancements were initiated by the UDF, and it was Rahul Gandhi who traveled across India to counter the BJP. Amidst these dynamics, attention has shifted to the case involving Sathiamma, a former temporary sweeper at a veterinary hospital, and the online harassment targeting Achu Oommen. The UDF seized upon these issues to capture the attention of women voters. Additionally, State Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul advised the Kottayam District Election Officer against distributing Onam kits in the context of the elections, prompting intensified campaigning with accusations that the UDF is impeding kit distribution. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan also wrote to the commission, requesting them not to obstruct kit distribution.
Strategic Moves for Victory The competing political fronts, employing their campaign expertise, are gearing up for their final strategic moves to secure victory. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to return on the 30th and 1st. Cabinet ministers are taking turns visiting Puthuppally, while prominent women leaders like KK Shailaja and PK Sreemathy are actively engaging with female voters.
Leading the UDF campaign is Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, who has declared that he will take responsibility if Chandy Oommen’s majority diminishes. The UDF campaign also features figures like MM Hassan, PK Kunhalikutty, K Sudhakaran, K Muralidharan, and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.
Lijin Lal, who garnered attention with a grand road show alongside Union Minister V Muraleedharan during nomination filing, is making an effort to connect with as many constituents as possible. State leaders, including co-president Dr Radha Mohan Agarwal and president K Surendran, have been actively present in Puthuppally for weeks.
