Shafi Parambil: The Congress Candidate And Youth Leader From Vadakara Constituency
Emerged from the Congress student union, Kerala Student Union (KSU), Shafi Parambil is one of the most popular youth politicians in the state. Shafi started assuming active organisational responsibilities by becoming the state general secretary of KSU in 2007. He currently represents the Palakkad constituency in the state assembly.
In 2009, Shafi Parambil became the state president of KSU and carved out his own path into active politics, paving the way for his rise from grassroots politics. One of the dynamic leaders who often engages in social media and is actively seen in public, Mr Shafi has built his political fanbase across the social spectrum. In 2017, he became the general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress.
Notably, 2024 marks his debut to the Lok Sabha elections from the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency as the party announced his nomination when it released the first list of candidates. The sitting Palakkad MLA was first elected to the assembly in 2011 from Palakkad. He won his electoral debut against the then CPM MLA K. K. Divakaran. During the 2016 assembly elections, he secured victory, while the BJP emerged to the second position after years.
In the 2021 assembly elections, the constituency turned into a hotspot across the country as the BJP fielded the metro man E Sridharan, hoping to secure the seat with a much-anticipated victory. However, Shafi earned even more fame by defeating the BJP’s celebrated candidate with a margin of 3480. There were serious speculations about the mettle of Shafi Parambil to counter E Sridharan, whom the BJP as its Kerala face.
Mr Shafi is also one of the vocal leaders who often engage in the assembly debates delivering thought-provoking speeches and arguments. He gained fame because of his active political and social engagement and effective communication. With a wealth of sound political experience in raising the people’s concerns to the authority, Shafi boasts a personal charm to attract the youth in the state.
Fielded from Vadakara in his foray into the Lok Sabha, Mr Shafi depends on his track record and popularity to take on the CPM candidate and former Health Minister – a well-respected CPM leader – KK Shailaja. The constituency has been currently represented by K. Muraleedharan, the party veteran and son of the former Chief Minister.
Notably, BJP is not a player in Vadakara whose votes share was a meagre 7 percent during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Though a newcomer to Vadakara, it is discussed that Mr Shafi’s political might help the youth Congress leader to face the veteran CPM candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
