M Swaraj entry hots up Thripunithura

Kochi: As the CPM has proposed DYFI state secretary M. Swaraj as a candidate for wresting the prestigious Tripunithura seat from fisheries and excise minister K. Babu, who had celebrated the silver jubilee of winning elections in 2011, the constituency is all set to witness a fiery battle.

By replacing C.M. Dinesh Mani, the CPM has made its stand clear that it is a prestigious fight here, and the party wanted nothing less than a thumping victory.  The BJP has decided to field noted scholar Prof Thuravoor Viswambharan, ensuring a triangular contest.

For Mr Babu, who defeated Mr Mani with a comfortable margin of 15,778 votes in 2011, winning this election is crucial to prove that his public life is clean. With the bar bribery scam and his alleged involvement in it, Tripunithura has become one of the most keenly watched constituencies in the state.

The question if the CPM, which failed to defeat him in last five elections, will be able to do it this time through the young leader is what makes the battle here significant. Unlike previous elections, votes secured by the BJP candidate will be a major deciding factor.

The civic polls held last year strongly indicate a change in the voting pattern. In the municipality, the BJP wrested the Opposition role with 13 seats while the UDF finished third with 11 seats as against its 2010 tally of 25. The party is hopeful of sustaining the momentum in those divisions which were once strongholds of LDF and UDF.

The chances for Mr Babu to repeat the magic for the sixth time in succession is mainly dependent on the number of votes Prof Viswambharan attracts. By fielding him, the saffron party aims to win over the non–BJP votes including writers and cultural personalities.