Kerala’s local body election season has been swept up in a wave of political defections and desertions, echoing the notorious Indian political phrase “Aaya Ram Gaya Ram”, which refers to frequent party-hopping by leaders. With civic polls scheduled for December 9 and 11, major political parties in the state are witnessing unprecedented churn just weeks before voting begins.
Key Crossovers Across Kerala
In Pathanamthitta, former Koipuram panchayat president P. Sujatha, a senior Congress leader, left the party to join the BJP, securing a ticket from the Kumbanad East ward. This panchayat is one of BJP’s targeted regions where it hopes to break CPI(M)’s hold.
In Kozhikode, IUML’s influential trade unionist U. Poker switched to the CPI(M), praising Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the ruling front’s development agenda. Poker was earlier considered a potential IUML candidate in Kozhikode Municipal Corporation.
Meanwhile, Sreenadevi Kunjamma, a CPI district panchayat member from Pallichal, moved to the Congress following differences with the CPI leadership over her alleged support for suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil.
The Congress faced further setbacks in Kozhikode as District Congress Committee general secretary N.V. Baburaj, and councillors Wilfred Raj and Alphonsa Raj, resigned to join the CPI(M). On the BJP’s side, Palakkad Municipal Corporation chairperson Pramila Sasidharan voiced dissent, signaling internal turmoil.
Experts Call It “Death of Political Loyalty”
Political observers note that leaders are switching sides primarily for personal gain rather than ideology.
Former MP and legal expert Dr. Sebastian Paul said the defectors show that party leaderships have “lost control” over grassroots politics.
Pathanamthitta-based political activist A. Suresh termed it the “death of political loyalty,” arguing that although CPI(M) once benefited from such strategies, it now faces similar erosion within its ranks.
Why These Defections Matter
Kerala has one of the most extensive local governance systems in India with:
- 941 village panchayats
- 52 municipalities
- 6 municipal corporations
- 152 block panchayats
- 14 district panchayats
The upcoming civic polls—covering 23,576 wards, 2,079 block divisions, and 331 district divisions—are seen as a major indicator of public sentiment ahead of the state assembly elections next year.
Polling will take place in:
Phase 1 (Dec 9): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam
Phase 2 (Dec 11): Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Results will be declared on December 13.
Political Stakes for the Big Three
- CPI(M)-led LDF, which dominated the 2020 polls, aims to retain its stronghold.
- Congress-led UDF targets revival in key districts amid turbulence within its ranks.
- BJP, boosted by its recent Lok Sabha debut from Kerala, aims to win Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur municipal corporations, while improving in Kozhikode, Kollam, and Ernakulam.
With defections cutting across all major parties, Kerala’s civic elections are turning into a dramatic test of political loyalty, organizational strength, and public trust.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
