ALAPPUZHA: The two-month-long spirited campaign in Chengannur ended on Saturday with a communal tone. Instead of giving the electorate a chance to vote on the government's performance, the campaign stooped to a new low. The leaders across the political spectrum were seen rushing to religious and caste leaders seeking their blessing. Congress leader A.K. Antony triggered panic among rivals seeking BJP votes. They rushed to the local offices of communal outfits to seek support rather publically, which is unheard of in history of Kerala.
The CPM state chief Kodiyeri Balakrishnan even painted UDF candidate D. Vijayakumar as communal as he's the vice-president of Ayyappa Seva Sangham, a voluntary group serving Sabarimala pilgrims. He said the black 'bindi' on his forehead had several meanings. "Black mark in his bindi has a message to give out," he said. "People who know it will grab the message." Strangely, he also alleged a 'Co-Lee-Bee' (Congress-League-BJP) alliance in Chengannur as well. The party mouthpiece Deshabhimani published a picture of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan meeting church leaders on its front page.
The only work his predecessor, Oommen Chandy, had to do on Saturday was calling on leaders of local NSS and SNDP units. "Not only Mr Chandy, but all party leaders come to our office these days. They all want our support," P.N. Sukumara Panicker, president, NSS Taluk Union, Chengannur said. "We offered support to all of them. Our community members work for different parties. They will vote for a right candidate." BJP's Rajya Sabha MP V. Muraleedharan visited SNDP Yogam office seeking 'help'.
"I was surprised why political leaders flock to our offices seeking help which I can't do," Anil P. Srirangam, chairman, SNDP Union, Chengannur, said. "Our general secretary has already declared our stance. Each member of 13,827 registered families under the Union is politically conscious." "BJP would have a lot of works cut out for retaining their 2016 vote share," he added.
