Song must go on! Amid election setback MLA Ramya Haridas spotted singing at public event

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress suffered a heavy setback in the local by-polls held in Kerala yesterday, especially in Chirayinkeezhu constituency. Even local party workers in the region pointed fingers at MLA Ramya Haridas and blamed the scuffle she was part of for causing a severe blow to the party's election hopes. However, the MLA seems to be undeterred by the simmering tension within the party. MLA Ramya was spotted today humming a song during the inauguration ceremony of the Veli-Kadinamkulam solar boat service.

Ramya rendered the song ‘Chithira Thoniyil Akkare Pokan’ during the function. The song selection seems to be spot on as the lyrics do mention her constituency and, moreover, the whole meaning itself surrounds crossing the river using a boat. MLA said she was very fortunate to see this maiden boat service connecting her constituency, Chirayinkeezhu.

In the bypolls conducted less than five months after the VD Satheesan government ascended to power, the UDF's seat tally dropped from 22 to 19. Two wards held by sitting MLAs were lost to the Left, and the winning margins plummeted in five other constituencies.

The LDF increased its tally from 15 to 18 seats and retained the MLA ward. While the results came as a shock to the UDF, the mood was rather one of relief and hope in the LDF camp. UDF lost seven seats but captured four. The Left Front secured seven seats while losing four. The NDA retained its single seat.

LDF created an upset in Anchuthengu and Mangalapuram wards, which fall under Ramya Haridas's constituency (Chirayinkeezhu). This is seen as the voters' response to the controversial scuffle that recently made headlines.