Thiruvananthapuram: More than 15 coastal wards that had always bolstered UDF presence in the corporation council will be the key to ensuring a better performance from UDF in this election.
Rebel candidates along with dissidence among allies in consenting to a candidature could badly hurt the prospects of UDF. LDF had cashed in on a similar internal strife in 2015 to walk away with a few sure seats of UDF. At Kottapuram, UDF’s Gladis Alex, former councillor, had lost out to Shyni W in 2015. The rebel candidate of UDF had polled 1,240 votes at Vizhinjam and had come second, ensuring a victory for CPM candidate Abdul Rasheed.
There were places where UDF had to really sweat it out. In Harbour ward, Congress candidate Nisabeevi had scraped through with a meagre majority of 19 votes in 2015. As UDF was drowned in inner conflicts, LDF clinched seats at Poundukadavu, Shangumugham and Kottapuram.
While LDF has had the last laugh in 2015 with surprise victories in a few coastal wards, things may get tough this year. At Vallakadavu, the candidature of Shajida Naazar for the fourth team has set off dissent among a few party men. UDF hopes that they could benefit from this disapproval as leakage of votes might spring a rude shock for LDF.
SDPI is also harbouring colourful dreams at Vallakadavu owing to this dissent among Left party workers at Vallakadavu. Peter Solomon had a smooth sail in 2015 as he won with a majority of over 300 votes at Poonthura, contesting for UDF under KC(M). His name is yet to figure in any of the talks regarding candidature. Solomon, who switched to Joseph group recently, made his intentions clear during his farewell speech in the final council meeting held recently. While all the other councillors exchanged pleasantries, Solomon was keen on recounting his work during Covid-19 outbreak at Poonthura. It seems that he was giving clear hints to the party. Sources confirmed that Solomon may contest as an independent candidate from Manikyavilakom. He is certain of sweeping over 2,000 votes from this belt.
Former councillor Gladis who has been denied a seat despite her active interest may enter as a rebel candidate at Vizhinjam. The candidature of Beemapally Rasheed at Beemapally East has also become uncertain suddenly as there is a clamour for a new face. Sajeena teacher has already raised her hand for the seat and it’s upto the league to take a final call here. UDF may face a rebel candidate at Harbour ward as well and could well spoil its chances of retaining the seat.