Although Shafi Parambil is a newcomer to Vadakara as a candidate, he is coming to contest the election with a wealth of experience as the state leader of KSU and Youth Congress. Although the candidacy was unexpected, Shafi shares the confidence that he can carry out the political responsibility assigned by the party with the strength of past experiences.

When will the campaign start?

I will reach the constituency at 4 pm tomorrow. The campaign will start from the Vadakara Town Bus Stand area. The phone calls and social media support have been pouring in since the candidacy rumours started. It can be said that the virtual campaign has started.

Was the candidacy unexpected?

Yes, but I am well aware of the seriousness of the task. Seeing the support of the party and the constituent leaders, I firmly believe that I can win.

Shailaja is well known in Vadakara

I do not underestimate the opposing candidate. I believe in people's power. Even though Metroman E Sreedharan was my opponent, I was able to win Palakkad because of people's support.

Will a change from K Muralidharan's dim the hope of victory?

The party in Vadakara is also very impressed with the enthusiasm shown by K Muralidharan for the party. He has taken such positions in the past as well. He came to Vadakara and contested in Nemom earlier when the party demanded it. He is going to Thrissur to counter the BJP's efforts to destroy the party.

How to overcome the outsider feeling in Vadakara

Organizationally, it is a very familiar constituency. When I was under the leadership of the Youth Congress and KSU, there were no places I did not go. All aloofness as a candidate vanished with the support I received from Vadakara when the announcement was made. I have no thought of coming to an unfamiliar place.