Kochi: Ponpilai Orumai women’s movement, which has jumped into the election fray, is finding the going tough with each passing day even while it keeps nursing the hopes for a victory in some seats.
The women’s movement, which successfully led a workers’ strike for higher bonus and daily wages recently, is fighting in 14 wards each in Munnar and Devikulam panchayats, five seats in Pallivasal panchayat, two seats in Munnar block panchayat and a division in Idukki district panchayat.
“After the long strike, we have little money left and the candidates are finding it difficult to manage the campaign each day,” said a source close to the women’s movement.
“Some have raised money by pledging their ornaments.” The United Democratic Front is their nearest rival, the sources said, adding that both the UDF and the LDF have money power.
Ponplai Orumai leader Lissy Sunny said there is no tie-up with Aam Admi Party, though they help the movement with resources.
“AAP leaders helped by donating some rice and essential materials so that we could pull on with the strike,” she said.
She denied that there is any political tie-up with AAP. “We have no plan to follow any other political party as we felt there is none to take care of our needs. We accept only some help from them.”
The sources said the campaign is on a slow pace with workers going for door-to-door visits after their working hours.
“Movement leader Gomathy stands a good chance for a victory to the Munnar block panchayat as the LDF candidate from the CPI faces a rebel candidate as well,” the sources said.
The movement, formed by workers walked out of major trade unions in the plantation sector, has already announced that it will form a new workers union once the election is over.
