CPM looking for a sweep in its citadel in Kannur

Kannur: Kannur is regarded as the CPM citadel with prominent leaders like state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan and three central committee members hailing  from the district. However, during the 2011 elections, the UDF made big strides  there  winning five out of the 11 constituencies. But the LDF made a strong comeback in the civic polls last year leading  in nine constituencies. The CPM is aiming at getting at least nine seats this time with a  well-planned campaign. On the other side, the UDF is hoping to encash on the various development projects launched in the district by the UDF government,  including Kannur airport,  Barapol power project, Kannur University central library, Azhikode  handloom village etc.

The four major constituencies which would witness tough fights are Kuthuparamba, Peravoor, Kannur and Azhikode which are held by  the UDF.  In Kuthuparamba, Minister K.P. Mohanan’s majority was  3303 votes. Though INL is demanding  Kuthuparamba now, the CPM feels that a party candidate can give a tough fight to the Minister.  In Peravoor, the CPM is planning to field central committee member K.K. Shailaja against  Mr  Sunny Joseph.  In Azhikode, Muslim League’s K.M. Shaji had won by just 493 votes. However,  during the last five years, he has built up  an image of a popular MLA by launching many projects.  The influence of Kannur Corporation rebel councillor P.K. Ragesh and the presence of SDPI can turn the tide in favour of the LDF camp.

Kannur  city is a stronghold of the UDF. The Congress believes the seat can be retained despite  issues between Mr K. Sudhakaran and sitting MLA A.P. Abdulla Kutty.  However,  the presence of SDPI and Welfare Party may split the votes of Muslim League in the constituency and could affect the prospects of Congress. In the Lok Sabha elections, the votes grabbed by the SDPI from Kannur city resulted in the defeat of Congress stalwart Sudhakaran.

Congress is sure of winning Irikkur from where Minister K.C. Joseph may contest for the eighth consecutive time. Though the Congress leadership is backing Mr Joseph, the local units are not happy about  the Minister who was parachuted from Changanassery 35 years back and still represents the constituency. A section of party workers recently burnt the Minister in effigy and also pasted posters across the constituency against him.

In the  LDF seat of  Thalassery, posters  have appeared for DYFI state president A.N. Shamseer. Dharmadam  may see the son of the soil Pinarayi Vijayan battling for supremacy.  

The BJP will get a chance to know the results of its  alliance with the BDJS. The BJP votes will be crucial  in the results of some UDF seats. The presence of SDPI can also adversely affect the UDF vote banks.