Why didn't Sabarimala controversy impact votes at Pandalam? How did LDF defeat NDA and take back municipality

PATHANAMTHITTA: As the local body election results are coming out, the LDF is seen collapsing even in its strongholds. Controversies including the Sabarimala gold looting have led to anti-LDF movements across Kerala. However, emotions were not the same in the Pandalam municipality, where the Sabarimala controversies were expected to have the most impact. Here, the people's anger towards the NDA-led governing body led to the LDF's comeback. The LDF advanced this time by winning 14 seats from the nine seats it won in the 2020 elections.

This time, the municipality witnessed a fierce battle. The NDA and the LDF tried hard to win the municipality, and the UDF tried hard to prove its strength. Compared to other municipalities in the district, 71.28 percent polling was recorded in the Pandalam municipality. The highest number of people voted in the Medical Mission ward, which saw 79.71 percent polling.

The Pandalam Municipality was formed in 2015 with 33 wards. When the ward division was completed, it increased to 34 wards. The LDF came to power in 2015 with a majority of 15 seats. However, the socio-political controversies related to the entry of women into Sabarimala later dealt a major blow to the LDF. The NDA, which had won only seven seats in the 2015 elections and was in third place, won 18 seats in the 2020 elections due to those controversies. The NDA was hoping to retain power this time too. The first indications of the results were that the Pandalam Municipality, which had given a chance to the other two fronts, would support the UDF this time. However, the LDF made a breakthrough at the last moment.

The fact that the Pandalam Municipality was regained is a great relief for the LDF, but it has created a tremor within the NDA. There is no doubt that this will be discussed within the NDA. The question of why the Pandalam Municipality is welcoming the LDF again, when the Sabarimala gold looting has created an unfavourable situation for the LDF throughout Kerala, is a question that needs to be asked. Doesn't this defeat point to the shortcomings of the previous municipal administration?