Congress struggles in strongholds due to Karunakaran
D Jose in Thiruvananthapuram
The contest for the Mukundapuram and Idukki Lok Sabha constituencies has evoked nationwide interest, thanks
to the controversy stirred by senior Congress leader K Karunanakaran.
The former chief minister refused to concede the Mukundapuram seat to sitting MP P C Chacko, forcing the party leadership to shift him to Idukki. Caught in the crossfire, A C Jose had to settle for Mukundapuram, deserting his Idukki constituency.
But, now, sadly, both Chacko and Jose are fighting against heavy odds against their respective rivals P Govinda Pillai of the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Francis George of the Kerala Congress-J, a CPI-M ally. Pillai, who was former chief editor of Deshabhimani, is considered the most powerful CPI-M ideologue after E M S Namboodiripad. Several eminent painters and artists have descended on Mukundapuram to mobilise support for him.
Both the Congress candidates had lost the constituencies they had nursed so well in the hope of renomination. And are saddled with the constituencies where they are virtual aliens. As if this was not enough, they lost considerable campaign time as the seat row issue delayed the selection of candidates, giving their rivals a one-week's edge in campaigning.
Ruling Left Democratic Front nominees also have adequate resources to steer the campaign efficiently while the Congressmen battle with a resource crunch.
There are also reports of dissidence rearing its ugly head in the Congress, further affecting Chacko's chances. Local leaders, considered close to Karunakaran, are said to be not actively involved in the campaign.
The only consolation for the Congress nominees is that the two seats are traditional Congress strongholds. While Chacko won the Mukundapuram seat in 1996 by 24,757 votes, Jose had retained the Idukki seat by 30,140 votes.
In this election, the Congress is pinning its hopes on a communal consolidation to safeguard the Mukundapuram seat. Its campaigners hope that a possible swing in the Muslim votes in
their favour will help Jose romp home easily. The Ezhava disenchantment against the government over the Sivagiri issue
is also counted upon for additional support. The fall in the prices
of agricultural products may have an impact in this backward constituency.
Chacko's campaign managers, however, are worried about the BJP factor. The BJP, which had polled 30,140 votes in 1996, is likely put up a better show this time due to its alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham.
Elections '98
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