kasargod: LDF candidate P. Karunakaran was not the typical candidate one encountered during campaign trail. He had no overtly courteous demeanour.
The trademark wide smile and the occasional embrace while seeking votes, were missing. He believed that his work as a sitting MP along with the strong base of CPI(M) would ensure his victory.
Karunakaran appeared unruffled by the visit of the two top leaders of country. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had already attended election meeting in the constituency, while BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi was scheduled to address a rally on Tuesday.
When asked about the factors that will help CPM retain the seat this time, a slightly irritated P. Karunakaran shot back. “This is a red bastion. Nobody else is going to win here,” he said with supreme confidence.
“Congress is looting the country. A number of scams happened in UPA’s 10 year rule. BJP was trying to divide the country on communal lines. Only option is a third front led by Left,” he told voters.
“The development I brought to Kasargod is enough to win. Maximum utilization of MPLAD funds, package for Endosulfan victims, aid of arecanut farmers, and road and railway development,” P. Karunakaran listed his achievements.
UDF supporters are confident of T. Siddique’s victory. “I am confident of winning the seat with a margin of 25,000 votes,” Siddique told DC at a remote village near in Kanhangad on the Mysore border.
“The MP has failed to bring development during his 10 year term. The two major projects he is boasting about, Central University of Kerala and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) strategic electronics Factory at Seethangoli are UPA government’s gift to the district”, he added.
Siddique was banking on his clean image. “I have not done anything illegal in my personal as well as political life. My khaddar is clean,” he told voters.
The presence of BJP candidate K. Surendran had made the electoral battle an interesting triangular contest.
“Give us a chance to teach a lesson to the CPM and Congress who are going to join hands at the Centre after polls. I am confident this time because large number of people came out to hear us even in places like Kallyassery, a CPI-M citadel. Voters are fed up with the two fronts and they will surely take a wise decision this time,’’ he added.
BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits were not leaving any chances as they believe that Modi factor and Surendran’s image of an “anti corruption crusader” will help the party in the polls.
