5 days ago
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With elections around the corner, the Kasaragod municipality is gearing up for a close fight. Unlike most local bodies in north Malabar that are dominated by the Left Democratic Party (LDF), the Kasaragod municipality had remained an Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) bastion since the municipality’s formation in 1966.
Though the IUML’s continued dominance has often been attributed to the Muslim majority demography in several wards, the political dynamic has significantly shifted in the recent decades. The Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as a formidable challenger to both the IUML and the LDF.
The BJP first made its mark in 1995 with its councillor becoming the vice chairperson. With delimitation increasing the number of wards from 38 to 39 this year, the BJP is hopeful of raising its seat share.
In the 2020 municipal elections, the IUML won 21 seats, adding one more seat to its tally of 2015. The BJP maintained its strength with 14 seats in both elections, while the LDF won in only one ward. Independent candidates won the remaining seats, underscoring the declining presence of both the Congress and the Left.
IUML leader and municipality chairperson Abbas Beegum said the UDF was confident of retaining power and winning more seats. Rejecting claims that the IUML’s success rests on religious demography, he said it was the party’s record of development that won public support.
False narrative: IUML
“Those criticising us for lack of development should look at the old pictures of the town, or at least talk to the people to know the truth,” he said. “The BJP is trying to create a false narrative. We believe in taking everyone together, irrespective of religion or caste, to achieve progress. But the BJP thrives on communal polarisation.”
However, Nullipady councillor Varaprasad Kotekani countered the claim, alleging that the municipality had witnessed rampant irregularities and stagnation. “None of the roads in the town are in good condition. The council has allocated only ₹5 lakh per ward. What development can be achieved with that? There is no parking space and buildings are mushrooming in violation of norms.”
He added that the absence of a functional sewage treatment plant (STP) had led to contaminated water damaging farmlands. Funds allocated for the STP had lapsed. “The municipality ranks among the lowest in fund utilisation,” he alleged.
BJP’s hopes
Mr. Varaprasad further said the BJP expected to win at least two more wards this time, taking its tally to 16. “Several BJP-held wards earlier reserved for women are now general, allowing seasoned leaders to contest and raise issues more effectively in the council,” he said.
The LDF, which won only the Chennikara ward in 2020, and is hoping to bag at least seven seats with the help of Independents this time. As campaigning intensifies, Kasaragod’s political scene appears set for a three-way contest, with the IUML defending its legacy, the BJP striving to expand its reach, and the LDF eyeing a solid foothold.
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