NewKerala.com

Sabarimala Gold Heist Case Shadows Kerala's Kazhakootam Triangular Fight

The Kazhakootam Assembly constituency is witnessing a high-stakes triangular contest between CPI(M), Congress, and the BJP. The Sabarimala gold heist controversy, linked to sitting CPI(M) MLA and former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, has become a central campaign issue. His main challengers are Congress's former MLA Sharatchandra Prasad and BJP's former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan. With the temple issue dominating discourse and margins expected to be razor-thin, the constituency is headed for a gripping electoral finish.

Key Points: Kazhakootam Election: Sabarimala Case Looms Over Triangular Contest

  • Sabarimala gold heist case central to campaign
  • CPI(M)'s Kadakampally Surendran seeks third term
  • BJP's V. Muraleedharan and Congress's Sharatchandra Prasad challenge
  • Constituency's traditional UDF lean challenged
  • BJP's steady rise makes it a key player
2 min read

Kerala elections: Sabarimala shadow looms over Kazhakootam's triangular contest

Kerala's Kazhakootam sees a tight CPI(M), Congress, BJP fight, with the Sabarimala gold heist controversy becoming a key campaign issue.

"The Sabarimala controversy... has given the opposition a potent campaign issue. - Report"

Thiruvananthapuram, March 27

The Kazhakootam Assembly constituency in the state capital district has turned into a high-voltage battleground this election, with the alleged Sabarimala gold heist case casting a long shadow over an already intense triangular contest.

At the centre of the race is two-time CPI(M) legislator and former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, who is seeking a third consecutive term.

Taking on him are BJP's seasoned campaigner and former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, and Congress' former MLA Sharatchandra Prasad, making it one of the most keenly watched contests in the state.

Traditionally, Kazhakootam has leaned towards the Congress-led UDF, having elected stalwarts such as A.K. Antony and M.M. Hassan.

Even veteran former CPI(M) leader M.V. Raghavan tasted victory here with UDF backing.

However, the last decade has seen Surendran emerge as the dominant force, leveraging support across communities.

This time, however, the narrative has shifted.

The Sabarimala controversy linked to alleged irregularities during his tenure as Devaswom Minister has given the opposition a potent campaign issue.

The questioning of Surendran by investigators, along with the arrest of former Travancore Devaswom Board chiefs known to be close to him, has sharpened the political attack.

Sensing an opening, Prasad has invoked the constituency's strong religious connect, arguing that the issue resonates deeply among voters.

His campaign has sought to translate this sentiment into electoral advantage.

Muraleedharan, meanwhile, adds another dimension to the contest.

In 2016, he surged to second place, pushing the Congress to third, a trend that continued in 2021 when Sobha Surendran retained the runner-up slot for the BJP.

The party's steady rise has firmly established it as a key player here.

Despite weathering the Sabarimala storm in 2021, Surendran now faces a more complex challenge with two formidable opponents closing in.

With the temple issue dominating the discourse and margins expected to be tight, Kazhakootam is set for a gripping finish, one that may only be decided when the votes are counted.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's sad to see a temple's sanctity become a political football. The gold heist case needs a fair investigation, whoever is involved. But I hope people vote based on local issues like water, roads, and jobs, not just emotions. Let's not mix religion and politics so deeply.
V
Vikram M
The BJP is gaining ground in Kerala, and Kazhakootam shows that. Muraleedharan is a strong candidate. The LDF government's handling of Sabarimala has hurt them. This time, the anti-incumbency plus the temple issue might just tip the scales. Congress seems to be the weakest link here.
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, the article focuses too much on the controversy. What about Surendran's work for the constituency? Infrastructure has improved. We should judge an MLA on their performance, not just one issue. The opposition is using this as a tool, which isn't fair.
R
Rahul R
Triangular fights are always tricky! Congress needs to get its act together. They have a strong history in Kazhakootam but are losing ground. If UDF and LDF voters split, BJP could benefit. Kerala politics is changing fast. Exciting times!
M
Michael C
Following this from abroad. The complexity of Kerala's political landscape is fascinating. It's not just left vs right; faith and governance are deeply intertwined. Hope the best candidate wins, one who can ensure both transparency and development.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50