KOLENCHERY: Twenty20, the non-political group based in Kizhakambalam, which were dubbed as 'apolitical' by intellectuals, has won an unexpected yet thrilling victory in the recently concluded local body polls. The advancement of Twenty20 has severely marred UDF’s prospects in the polls. As the organisation has decided to contest in the assembly polls, Congress is determined to use the last weapon in its arsenal, to keep Kunnatunadu constituency with them.

Twenty20 which was only concentrated over Kizhakambalam secured an impressive victory in other panchayats, making it impossible for other parties to make a comeback. Congress has witnessed severe vote loss in Ikkaranadu and in Muzhavanoor.

Congress which has been ruling Kunnatunadu for the past 20 years, Muzhavannor for a decade and Ikkaranadu where it had a strong presence, has witnessed severe vote loss in the local body elections. Ikkaranadu panchayat which has 14 wards, Congress stands third in 12 wards and the party has secured second position only in Kadayirippu and Parepeedika wards.

Even in Peringola, the sitting seat of Congress MLA, V P Sajeendran the party is third. In Mazhuvanoor the party got this position in three wards whereas in Veetur ward the party is in fifth position. Congress which has been ruling these areas for a decade has managed to secure only one ward. CPM which won four wards at the panchayat level is second in nine wards. In Veetur ward, where a friendly match occurred between CPI and CPM, CPI is in the second position.

If they had avoided, the friendly competition the left front could have secured Vettur seat, which was won by Twenty20. Kunnatunadu which was a Congress stronghold for the last two decades witnessed the victory of just six congress candidates. CPM has won just one seat from here. Twenty20 which reigned here also has secured 8,005 votes in the panchayat.

Twenty20 which grabbed power in Ikkaranadu is far ahead of other fronts with a majority of 7,692 votes. When CPM secured 3,312 votes Congress got only 2,189 votes. CPM has received negligible benefits from the pre-poll preparations made by them against Twenty20 anticipating the ‘team’s’ rise. Whereas Congress who took a silent stand, thinking that their votes would benefit the party, paid a heavy price in the elections.