Kasaragod municipality is bracing for a fiercely contested election as polling day draws nearer. Historically, this local body in North Malabar has been a stronghold of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) since its establishment in 1966, distinguishing it from many neighboring areas often dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
While the IUML’s consistent success has often been linked to the significant Muslim population across several wards, the political landscape has seen considerable shifts over recent decades. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as a powerful contender, challenging both the established IUML and the LDF.
The BJP first made a notable impact in 1995 when one of its councillors secured the vice-chairperson position. With the number of wards increasing from 38 to 39 this year due to delimitation, the BJP is optimistic about expanding its seat count.
During the 2020 municipal elections, the IUML increased its representation to 21 seats, up from 20 in 2015. The BJP held steady with 14 seats in both elections, while the LDF managed to win only a single ward. Independent candidates secured the remaining seats, highlighting a diminishing presence for both the Congress and the Left parties.
Abbas Beegum, a prominent IUML leader and the current municipality chairperson, expressed confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would retain power and potentially gain more seats. He strongly refuted claims that IUML’s success is solely based on religious demographics, asserting instead that the party’s development record is what truly resonates with the public.
IUML Dismisses “False Narrative”
“Those who criticize us for a lack of development should observe the town’s historical photographs or, better yet, engage with its residents to learn the truth,” Beegum stated. He accused the BJP of attempting to propagate a “false narrative.” “Our philosophy is to unite everyone, regardless of their religion or caste, to drive progress. In contrast, the BJP’s strategy thrives on communal polarization,” he added.
However, Nullipady councillor Varaprasad Kotekani countered these assertions, alleging that the municipality has been plagued by widespread irregularities and a lack of progress. “The roads throughout the town are in deplorable condition. The council has allocated a mere ₹5 lakh per ward. What significant development can possibly be achieved with such meager funds? There’s a severe lack of parking facilities, and new buildings are sprouting up in blatant disregard of regulations,” he claimed.
Kotekani further highlighted the absence of a functional sewage treatment plant (STP), which has resulted in contaminated water damaging local farmlands. He noted that funds earmarked for the STP had expired unused. “The municipality consistently ranks among the lowest in terms of fund utilization,” he alleged.
BJP’s Aspirations and the Three-Way Race
Mr. Varaprasad shared the BJP’s expectation to win at least two additional wards in the upcoming elections, aiming for a total of 16 seats. “Several wards previously reserved for women, and now open to general candidates, will allow experienced BJP leaders to contest and more effectively advocate for local issues within the council,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the LDF, which secured only the Chennikara ward in 2020, hopes to capture at least seven seats this time, bolstered by support from independent candidates. As the campaign intensifies, Kasaragod’s political landscape is poised for a gripping three-way battle: the IUML striving to uphold its long-standing dominance, the BJP pushing to expand its influence, and the LDF determined to carve out a stronger presence.