Neyyattinkara: fronts harp on development

By N.J. Nair

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, MAY 2. Political issues have taken a backseat in Neyyattinkara as the rival fronts focus on development. The LDF candidate, Mr. J.B. Ross Chandran, and the sitting Congress MLA, Mr. Thampanoor Ravi, who is contesting for a consecutive third term, are staking claims for all the development works done in the constituency.

Mr. Ross Chandran is seeking votes for the continuity of the Government to carry on the work taken up under the People's Plan Campaign and Mr. Ravi to carry out the schemes he had initiated during the past decade.

The constituency comprises six panchayats and a municipality of which Amboori, Kallikad and Ottasekharamangalam are ruled by the UDF and Neyyattinkara municipality, Perumgadavila, Vellarada and Athiyanoor by the LDF.

During the last election, Mr. Ravi defeated Mr. Charupara Ravi of the Janata Dal by a margin of 14,424 votes. The socialist leader, Mr. S.R. Thankaraj, who had contested as an independent during the last election, secured 6,881 votes and the BJP candidate, Ms. Perumgadavila Sarojini Amma, got 7,090 votes.

The LDF is trying to make a dent in this UDF fortress by citing the development initiated under the People's Plan Campaign. The LDF has succeeded in creating a good impression among the masses with the Thanal Housing Scheme and similar projects, said LDF supporters. Moreover, the CPI(M) workers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the victory of Mr. Chandran, they add.

Mr. Ravi's confidence rests on the strength of the development works initiated by him during the past five years. He describes himself as the ``available and accessible MLA of the masses.'' He points to the increase in margin during the last election. His margin of 1,974 votes in 1991 shot up to 14,424 in 1996. This increase, he says, is proof of his rising popularity among the voters. The BJP candidate, is yet to make an impact among the voters.

The construction of the Braimoodu, Amaravila and Arakunnukadavu bridges, the Palakadavu crossway, and school buildings at his initiative, Mr. Ravi claims will keep him in good stead. The UDF convener, Mr. Neyyattinkara Sasi, said that Congress workers, cutting across group barriers are actively campaigning for Mr. Ravi as he is acceptable to both the `A' and `I' factions.

Communal polarisation of votes will prove crucial for the rival fronts. The Nadar and Nair communities form a majority in the constituency. The LDF claims to enjoy the support of both the communities. Mr. Thankaraj has now joined the NCP and is with the LDF. The Nair community also will support Mr. Chandran, the LDF convener, Mr. Kulathoor Sukumaran Nair, said.

Mr. Sasi said the UDF had always had the support of the minorities. During the election to the civic bodies, the Congress candidates won with comfortable margins in the minority pockets, he said. The NSS decision too would help Mr. Ravi, he added. The campaign will gather momentum in the coming days with the arrival of the Central leaders of the Janata Dal and the Congress.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : State Elections
Previous : Speaker threatens action against RDO
Next     : 'Vote candidates who favour prohibition'