THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The fight for Chalai ward will be a prestigious one as veteran Chalai Mohanan of the LDF and the young timber tycoon SKP Ramesh of the BJP face each other during corporation elections.
Mohanan, a four time councilor, has the track record of winning elections even when he stood as an independent candidate defying his party, the CPM. He is one of the few leaders to be readmitted into the party even after being a rebel.
Ramesh, 39, on the other hand, has recent popular crusades to prevent Erumakuzhy from being converted into Vilappilsala. Mr Ramesh is the grandson of Sivan Pillai and the third son of tycoon Kumara Pillai who owns SKP timbers.
The RSS man is in charge of the furniture showrooms of their 65-year-old family business. He also has made crucial inroads into the trader community of the centuries old Chalai market.
According to Ramesh, his rival candidate would have been the lion of Chalai once but had distanced himself from people’s issues in the last decade.
“During floods, when families sleep on cartons stacked over their cots, they will be too angry to entertain their representatives or even ministers here. So Mr Mohanan’s absence here is understandable,” said Ramesh.
Ramesh’s Facebook posts include artistic impression of the plans he proposes for Chalai. The garbage issue is at its peak in Chalai which generates 20 tonne waste daily. Areas such as Aryashala and Pazhayashala have dilapidated roads.
Mohanan who has been a councillor in 1998, 1995, 2000 and 2005 is contesting on the party ticket this time and feels that labour, trader union activities here need a revival.
“The Chalai master plan and Attukal master plan which includes Chalai areas are in cold storage. Being one of the most senior council members I believe I can push for Chalai’s needs better than others,” Mr Mohanan said.
UDF has fielded Mohanan Pillai to capture this ward, which is LDF’s sitting seat.
