Can CPM offensive break Congress domination of Ernakulam?

The Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency is all geared up for a high-profile contest. While the Congress-led United Democratic Front has put up Ernakulam MLA Hibi Eden to guard the seat currently held by K V Thomas, the CPM expects to cut inroads through its district secretary P Rajeev, a former Rajya Sabha MP. Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam is the BJP’s best shot.

Historical data suggests that the Congress has an upper hand in Ernakulam though the Left Democratic Front has won back the constituency several times, mostly through independents with a wider appeal. The BJP-led NDA expects to perform well on its vantage position at the national level.

Community vote banks and pressure groups have been critical to the political fortunes of Ernakulam. The predominantly urban constituency is a picture of contrast - evident signs of development such as the Infopark and Kochi Metro on one side and the eternally backward coastal regions on the other. The constituency is also home to several public sector undertakings staring at a crisis.

Still recovering from last year’s devastating floods, the people in Ernakulam would be ready with questions to candidates who go to them seeking votes.

The UDF has won Ernakulam in 13 of the 18 Lok Sabha elections and byelections. The LDF won five times, two of which in byelections. The CPM could win the seat only once in its own party symbol - through V Viswanatha Menon in 1967.

The CPM, however, draws inspiration from the performance of party candidate Sindhu Joy in 2009, when she lost to K V Thomas by only 11,790 votes. Thomas owed his victory to his leads in Ernakulam and Thrikkakkara assembly segments.

While Ernakulam, Thrikkakkara, Kalamassery and Paravur segments stood by the UDF in the 2016 assemble election, the LDF won Vypeen, Kochi and Tripunithura.

Hibi Eden

The UDF workers' morale has been boosted by the choice of Eden as the candidate. The two-time MLA is known for his links across sections of society. He has been working on a project to build 100 houses for the people rendered homeless by the August flood.

“Ernakulam has had many stalwarts as MLAs but no one has done anything for the constituency like Eden did,” said Paravur MLA V D Satheesan. “He worked all over his constituency during the flood. He started out in the KSU and rose through the ranks in the organisation. He is able to connect with youngsters. At the same time, he is loved by seniors.”

P Rajeev

Still smarting from the rout in the previous Lok Sabha election, when LDF-backed independent candidate Christy Fernandes lost to K V Thomas for 87,047 votes, the CPM has chosen P Rajeev, an organisation man.

Rajeev can claim a vast network of personal relations across the constituency. His work as the party chief in the district and as a proponent of organic farming have earned him a support base. He was at the forefront of flood relief and rehabilitation work in the worst-affected areas of the district. His track record as a Rajya Sabha MP is an asset to the LDF campaign.

“He can implement novel ideas effectively,” said S Sarma MLA. “He stands apart for his vision and a willingness to experiment with different ways of furthering his politics.”

“Many MPs have been lauded as good parliamentarians but only Rajeev could claim the respect of leaders of all political parties who bade him farewell at the end of his term by wishing him to return as soon as possible,” Sarma said.

Alphons Kannanthanam

BJP candidate Kannanthanam has hit the ground running. The party central leadership chose to field the Union minister in Ernakulam though ally BDJS had staked a claim for the seat.

The former civil service officer made his electoral debut as a Left-backed candidate in Kanjirappally in the 2006 assembly election. He later switched to the BJP, which nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. Now he is projected as a viable alternative to the voters who want a change from both dominating fronts.

“He is one leader who goes to any extent once he takes a decision,” BJP district president N K Mohandas. “He did a lot of things as a minister for tourism and information technology. He is humble and has a reputation as an honest IAS officer. He was a resident of Ernakulam even when he was the Kanjirappally MLA.”

Candidatespeak

Hibi Eden: “The Metro project does not seem to have any considerable improvement. Metro has to be extended to Infopark and other areas. The coastal areas from Chellanam to Munambam has many demands including the construction of a sea wall and the implementation of the CRZ Act. The coastal package has to be implemented. I also aim at the rejuvenation of public sector enterprises.,”

P Rajeev: “We want to draw from the opinions of voters and experts to form a development perspective. Kochi Metro has to be extended to Kakkanad and other areas. Kalamassery has to be turned into a goods transport hub. We need new projects for the conventional industrial sector. We need centres of excellence in education and health sectors.”

Alphons Kannanthanam: “We have to provide infrastructure to elevate Ernakulam to a prime position in the global tourism map. We have to usher in the best software companies to Kochi. We have to ensure steady income to the people who live on the coast. We need a new way of politics.”

Read more: Election calendar