Idukki campaigns blend Tamil and Malayalam for Kottikalasham

The grand finale of the campaigning for the upcoming local body election came to a close across Idukki district on Sunday evening. Major towns like Munnar, Thodupuzha, Kattappana, Kumily, Vandiperiyar, Adimaly, Cheruthoni and Marayur witnessed a highly spirited Kottikalasham, with various political parties attempting to outdo each other in their attempt to attract voters.

The Kottikkalasham in the plantation areas was held in a bilingual mode with a mix of Tamil and Malayalam. In Tamil-speaking areas, posters and announcements were in Tamil. Popular Tamil film songs were played to engage voters.

Candidates from all major political parties predominantly concentrated their campaign efforts in proximity to churches in an endeavour to garner support from the Christian electorate.

Three Tamil Nadu-based political parties are also participating in the local body elections in the district. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) have fielded their candidates in the Tamil-populated areas of Devikulam and Peerumade taluks. The parties also conducted a high-voltage Kottikkalasham on Sunday.

According to leaders of Tamil Nadu-based parties, there are 38% Tamil voters in Peerumade, 28% in Udumbanchola, and 48 to 52% in the Devikulam Assembly constituencies in the district.

On the last day of the campaign, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) focussed on issues like Sabarimala gold theft, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) highlighted the State’s developmental achievements to woo voters.