THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the notification for the by-election to Vazhaottukonam ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was issued recently, here is what a middle-level BJP functionary in the district half-jokingly told this reporter: “How I wish there was some way to keep this news from reaching Rajettan. If it reaches him, I am afraid he might put his hands up.” The loose dust of the aspiring leader’s bottled-up sneer for the veteran was escaping through his throaty laughter.
Mr O. Rajagopal, Rajettan to legions of his admirers, is aware that his repeated candidacy was raw material for political satire. Last year, while making a stump speech during the campaign for the Aruvikkara seat, Mr Rajagopal could not help but laugh at himself.
This was his seventh attempt to win an election in Thiruvananthapuram; all the earlier six attempts leaving him a valiant loser. “I know people are making fun of me, saying ‘wherever there is an election there is O. Rajagopal,’ ” he said, breaking into a smile. He failed in Aruvikkara too though he increased BJP votes from 7694 to 34,145. He split the anti-incumbency votes and made Mr Oommen Chandy look better than he was.
