Pala political landscape heats up ahead of Assembly elections

Having long been at the centre of political churns, driven by the shifting positions of the Kerala Congress parties, Pala is stirring once again even before the announcement of the official election calendar.

Signs of a high-stakes contest are already visible on the ground. Both Jose K. Mani, chairman of the Kerala congress (M) and sitting MLA Mani C. Kappan have launched their groundwork in a constituency long considered a United Democratic Front (UDF) stronghold. Adding a new edge to the battle is the possible entry of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State vice-president Shaun George, which could turn Pala into a fierce triangular fight.

Mr. Kappan has left little room for ambiguity. He has made it clear that he will not relinquish the Pala seat and has played a key role in post-local body election manoeuvres that helped the UDF regain power in the Pala municipality. “Mr. Kappan has formally staked his claim for the seat as the sitting MLA. Considering his association with the UDF, any other decision regarding his candidature is unlikely,” said a senior UDF leader.

On the other side, Mr. Mani is methodically rebuilding his presence in what remains the citadel of Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)]. While the party yet to make a formal announcement, Mr. Mani has dropped enough hints to signal his intent. His heightened visibility at church festivals and local events across Pala, coupled with sustained engagement with LDF constituent parties, has fueled speculation. After his defeat in Pala in the last election, there was widespread talk of a possible shift to Kaduthuruthy, but current indications suggest that Pala remains firmly on his radar.

The final decision, however, has yet to be taken within the party. “The KC(M) has not even completed its review of the local body election results held in December. Though the Left Democratic Front (LDF) enjoys a slender lead of around 2,000 votes across the Assembly constituency in terms of votes polled in the local body elections, that alone should not be the deciding factor in fielding him here,” noted a senior party source.

Hovering on the fringes of this evolving contest is the BJP, which is considering fielding its State vice-president Shaun George. The party’s calculation is influenced by the constituency’s electoral geography, which now includes panchayats such as Melukavu, Thalanad, Moonnilavu, and Thalappalam, previously part of the Poonjar division represented by Mr. George. Bharananganam and Kadanad panchayats have also been merged into Pala, a shift the BJP believes could tilt the scales in favour of Mr. George.