Mr Raveendran is undoubtedly one of the most popular CPM leaders in the city
LDF candidate Thottathil Raveendran seeks vote from noted environmentalist Dr A Achuthan during his election campaign in Chakkorathukulam. (Photo: DC)
KOZHIKODE: One of the smallest wards with close to 3000 voters, Chakkorathukulam remains a traditional CPM stronghold for many years. A significant chunk of the electorate is the middle class.
Former mayor and CPM stalwart Thottathil Raveendran is the LDF candidate here while Janata Dal (United) has fielded T. Jayanandan for the UDF, which lost last time by a margin of 80 votes to CPM’s C.K Renuka Devi.
Mr Raveendran is undoubtedly one of the most popular CPM leaders in the city. Though he was not interested initially, he bowed to the pressure from the party.
He’s in the civic poll fray for the fifth time from the same ward and has been a councillor continuously for four terms since 1979.
He also had a stint as deputy mayor and, for a brief term of one month, a mayor-in-charge twenty years back.
He was the first mayor to complete the full five-year term in office after the formation of the Kozhikode Corporation Council in 1962.
He believes his popularity among the people is the major factor that is going to ensure his win. “I know almost 90 percent of the voters here,” he told DC.
Also, he says, sitting councillor Ms Devi had initiated a lot of developmental activities and his aim would be to solve the basic issues of the ward.
UDF candidate Mr Jayanandan, who is in politics for over 35 years, is contesting for the first time. A strong opponent only boosts his confidence.
“Mr Raveendran is a well-known figure here. However, I am also active in the ward and doing things for the people like the councillor. So I’m confident of winning,” he said.
BJP candidate M. Jagannathan’s presence is a worry for both the candidates as it had no candidate last time.
The BJP has already done a substantial groundwork and is doing well in campaigning.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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