Thomas Chazhikadan in Kottayam: Kerala Congress (M) announces candidate for Lok Sabha elections

KOTTAYAM: Thomas Chazhikadan will be LDF's Kottayam candidate in the Lok Sabha elections. Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K Mani announced the candidate. This is the eighth time that Chazhikadan is going to the polls. Jose K Mani responded that KM Mani's wish is being fulfilled through Chazhikadan's candidature. In the announcement of the candidate, Jose K. Mani explained that Chazhikadan was able to become a people's representative who took the helm for the development of Kottayam.

In addition to the sitting seat in Kottayam, the Kerala Congress M is trying to secure three seats in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Chalakudy or Vadakara. However, there is concern that the Left Party will reject the demand for four seats, citing vote leakage in the Puthuppally elections.

The Kerala Congress's front change was the reason for the decline in Oommen Chandy's vote share in the last assembly elections. Ayarkunnam and Akalakunnam panchayats are the powerhouses of Kerala Congress M. In 2021, Oommen Chandy's lead decreased and the Left got more seats in local elections with the arrival of the Mani Group. However, in the by-election, Chandy Oommen had received a majority of 4151 votes from Akalakunnam.

Compared to the 2021 elections, the UDF gained 1304 votes in Akalakunnam while the Left lost 1029 votes. UDF advance in power centres and vote leakage may backfire on Kerala Congress M's decision to seek more seats. In that case, efforts will be made to secure at least two Lok Sabha seats including the sitting seat.