BJP’s surprise in Thrissur? Congress entering fray with some calculations, tough fight to be witnessed

There has never been another election season in Thrissur where there was such excitement, challenges and campaigning before the announcement. After Prime Minister visited the district twice in two weeks, graffiti were seen in many places supporting T N Prathapan MP, the left wing intensifying its struggles, protests like human chain and grassroots activities... When Thrissur becomes the center of attention at the national level, the activists are enthusiastic. Opposition leader V D Satheesan and Prathapan highlighted the excitement of Thrissur. They interpret that these graffiti are because of that. In many places the graffiti was found erased. It was seen later. When Prathapan said that Modi should come to Thrissur again and that the district is getting national attention, it is clear that the Congress has calculated something. Modi should contest in Thrissur and Prathapan MP had challenged it.

After AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who will participate in the Maha Sammelan in Thrissur on February 4, it is reported that most of the national leaders of the Congress may reach the constituency for campaigning. Meantime, it is almost sure that leaders including Union Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J P Nadda will campaign for NDA. Thrissur will be one of the biggest campaigning constituencies in Kerala as a large number of CPM and CPI national leaders will campaign for LDF.

Will candidates change?
The candidates of all the three fronts have confirmed electioneering on social media. T N Prathapan, Suresh Gopi and V S Sunil Kumar also are active on social media, but there was a rumor that Prathapan might withdraw. In Thrissur, Alathur and Chalakudy, there will be no opposition to the sitting MPs re-contesting and the selection of candidates will not be a headache. Although Suresh Gopi is confirmed in Thrissur, more discussions may be needed in the NDA for Chalakudy and Alathur candidates. With the constituent parties staking their claim, the NDA state leadership meeting had decided to start seat-sharing discussions for the parliamentary elections. While V S Sunil Kumar's name is being circulated in Thrissur, there are also indications that the NCP is raising the demand for Thrissur or Chalakudy.

NCP state president P C Chacko previously represented Thrissur constituency in the Lok Sabha. NCP leaders think that Chalakudy is more likely to win than Thrissur. In Alathur, A K Balan is at the top of the list of possibilities.

Discussions will also be tough
The UDF will enter into election discussions after the Congress convention in Thrissur. The meet is trying to unite the booth officials and come forward. It will also bring together leaders from constituency committee to AICC level. Meantime, the NDA leadership believe that the foundation can be strengthened with the booth meeting on February 24. After the selection of the candidate without controversy, the Left leadership is preparing to take the field quickly with proper planning and campaign methods.
Meanwhile, campaigning for CPI’s Sunil Kumar is active on social media, when he contested as an LDF candidate in Thrissur constituency in 2016, the CPI explained that it was prepared and posted by students seeking votes for Sunil Kumar. Sunil Kumar had posted this on his Facebook that day.

A poster titled 'Students of Thrissur' was circulated on social media saying 'For the country... A vote for goodness... A vote for eligibility... A vote for Sunilettan...'
BJP's campaign for Suresh Gopi came first, but then graffiti were seen for Prathapan. The other day, we saw a graffiti in Choondal saying 'Prathapan will continue with glory'. Graffiti appeared at Chittatukara East Head and on the wall at Elavalli. Although Pratapan's response was that it was written because of the thrill of the activists, DCC is against such propaganda. Prathapan had made it clear that he did not agree with writing on the wall without announcing it and would contest if the party said so. Apart from the graffiti for Suresh Gopi, stickers were seen on autos stating that will not cheat.

Modi’s guarantee?
BJP supporters are firmly hoping that there will be 'Modi guarantee' as an election promise, including the development of Guruvayoor, which is part of the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency. They think there will be new plans for Guruvayoor with emphasis on spiritual tourism. The temple was also included in the Prasad scheme for the development of pilgrimage towns launched in 2015, with a view to the development of Guruvayoor, one of the major pilgrimage centers of the country.

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Although the railway flyover materialized, railway development was not considered. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has earmarked funds for railway station development. Thrissur - Guruvayoor 2nd line and Guruvayoor - Thirunavaya line have remained a dream for decades. If this is possible, pilgrims can easily reach the train from other states. Guruvayoor is the first city from South India to be included in the Prasad project. It is expected that there will be more infrastructure development in the second phase. When Modi came to Guruvayoor in 2019, the Guruvayoor Devaswom Bharana Samithi had submitted a plan of 450 crores for the development of the temple. As the number of devotees is increasing day by day, there is a lot of demands for Guruvayoor. When Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he returned after convening a press meet. Development plans of Guruvayoor temple were also discussed then.