Kollam: The Chavara constituency, formed in 1977, has been an RSP fort with its former strongman, the late Baby John, representing it six times till 1996. His son Shibu Baby John, the sitting MLA, won from there in 2001 and Mr N.K. Premachandran in 2006 while with the LDF.
This time, Mr Vijayan Pillai, who was expelled from the Congress party for participating in the all-Kerala march taken out by Mr Pinarayi Vijayan in Chavara, protesting against the liquor policy of the government, is likely to take on minister Shibu Baby John under the CMP banner with CPM support. But the UDF is hopeful of retaining the seat.
Fearing criticism for associating directly with Mr Vijayan Pillai, who is a bar owner, the CPM has reportedly given the seat to the CMP.
Mr Vijayan Pillai, who was an INTUC member, is the son of former RSP member Narayana Pillai, who is popular across the constituency. Mr Vijayan Pillai was also associated with the DIC earlier.
Chavara, the home of traditional and modern industries, including coir, KMML and IRE, is plagued by many ills like the pollution caused by the KMML and water scarcity due to the improper management of drinking water projects.
The KMML and IRE are struggling for survival due to the policies of the changing governments and the workers of IRE are facing unemployment. The coir sector is also badly hit and these issues will be major poll issues this time.
