Alappuzha Constituency: KC Venugopal’s Re-Entry Assures A Triangular Battle

With the entry of All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal as the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate, the stage is set for a heated triangular battle in the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency. With 11 candidates in the poll fray, the competition in Alappuzha intensifies as major parties field heavyweight contenders. Along with Congress’ KC Venugopal, CPI(M) candidate and sitting MP AM Ariff and BJP nominee Shobha Surendran emerge as the prominent candidates vying for victory.

Alappuzha, famously known as the “Venice of the East,” is a coastal Lok Sabha constituency stretching from Arur in Alappuzha district to Karunagapally in Kollam district. Originally designated in 1977, the constituency encompasses Arur, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Haripad, Kayamkulam, and Karunagappally assembly segments.

Rooted in left-wing politics, Alappuzha has a rich history of activism and struggle, exemplified by events like the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising. The region is renowned as the cradle of trade unionism, with strong roots in agriculture and the coir sector, which form the backbone of the local economy. The SNDP and Latino vote hold significant sway in the constituency, along with minority communities like Muslims and Christians.

In Alappuzha, the UDF aims to reclaim its lost stronghold from the 2019 election. KC Venugopal maintains significant influence in the constituency as he consecutively won the Lok Sabha elections in 2009 and 2014. Although he hails from Kannur, KC Venugopal’s field of activity is primarily focused on Alappuzha.

Meanwhile, Alappuzha is the sole constituency secured by the LDF in the previous election; thereby, sitting MP Adv. AM Ariff was once again nominated for the seat. In 2019, Ariff won the seat by defeating Congress candidate Adv. Shanimol Osman by a narrow margin of 0.96%. Following the defeat, the LDF campaign widely adopted the slogan “kanal oru thari mathi,”  which is roughly translated as “Just a spark is enough.”.

In the previous assembly election in 2021, the constituencies in Alappuzha favoured 5 LDF and 2 UDF candidates, indicating a diverse political landscape. Unlike the assembly elections, where the dynamics often lean towards a single faction, the Lok Sabha elections present a different scenario. Historically, the people of Alappuzha have not exhibited a consistent support for any particular political front, the UDF and LDF winning the seats alternately. The constituency’s voting pattern has also deviates from the ongoing trends in elections, highlighting its unpredictable nature.

KC Venugopal’s candidacy in Alappuzha energises the contest, bringing the constituency into the spotlight. His entry, along with the perceived lack of popular support for the CPI(M) MP in certain areas, hints at a potential advantage for the Congress. Aside from this, Shobha Surendran’s participation adds to the likelihood of a triangular match in Alappuzha. According to the mega pre-poll survey, KC Venugopal is predicted to win with a commanding 44.5% vote share in the constituency.

Kerala will go to booths on April 26 in the Phase 2 elections. The election result for the Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat is slated to be announced on June 4.

(This story is part of a Timeline. internship project.)