Did election-time controversies push Ganesh Kumar behind?

KOLLAM: As vote counting continues in the Kerala Assembly elections, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar is trailing in Pathanapuram. He is currently behind by 2,135 votes, while UDF candidate Jyothikumar Chamakkala holds the lead. Chamakkala has been actively working in the constituency for the past five years. Although the reforms introduced in KSRTC had gained public acceptance, recent controversies appear to have impacted Ganesh Kumar’s standing.

In the run-up to the elections, Ganesh Kumar was embroiled in multiple controversies, including the Padma Cafe construction issue linked to the Pathanapuram NSS Taluk Union, as well as allegations raised by his wife, Bindu Menon. She claimed that when she arrived unannounced at their house in Valakom, Kottarakkara, she found him with another woman in a compromising situation. She further alleged that when she attempted to take photographs, staff members, acting on the minister’s instructions, tried to stop her and seize her phone, leading to a scuffle.

The Padma Cafe controversy centred on allegations that Rs 4 crore was spent on the project, of which Rs 3.5 crore was paid to the contractor. The issue was already under scrutiny when the personal allegations surfaced. Ganesh Kumar is a senior leader who has served as an MLA for 25 years and has held ministerial office three times. He had previously resigned as minister in 2013 following allegations made by his first wife.