KK Rema, the wife of slain political leader TP Chandrasekharan, made an emotional post on social media as the United Democratic Front (UDF) appeared headed for a landslide victory in the Kerala assembly elections. The post came after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan trailed in the first six rounds of vote counting in the Dharmadam constituency in Kannur, a stronghold of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM.
Background of the Constituency
Dharmadam had been won by Vijayan with a margin of over 50,000 votes in the 2021 elections. The early trends this time indicated a significant shift in voter sentiment.
Rema's Reaction
In her Facebook post, Rema wrote: "These six rounds are enough, Kerala! This is enough. Chandrasekharan has been able to witness the man who branded him a betrayer and called for his murder, standing naked in the scorching sun. Salutations to political Kerala."
The Murder of TP Chandrasekharan
TP Chandrasekharan was hacked to death on May 4, 2012. The election results were announced on the anniversary of his death. He suffered over 51 deep cuts and died on the spot. His murder remains one of the most chilling political killings in Kerala, with several CPM activists later convicted for the crime.
Political Fallout
In 2008, Chandrasekharan, a former CPM strongman, founded the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) in Onchiam, a Left bastion. The RMP's influence was so strong that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has never won the Vadakara Lok Sabha seat since its launch. In the 2010 local body elections, the CPM was wiped out in the panchayats of Onchiyam, Eranmala, and Azhiyur. These defeats were a major blow to the CPM in the red soil of Vadakara.
Chandrasekharan was also a staunch supporter of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, who was then frequently at odds with the official CPM leadership led by Vijayan.
The election results have been closely watched across the state, with the UDF making significant gains in several constituencies.
