Voters in Kerala's historic Palakkad municipality find themselves in a state of heightened confusion as election day approaches. The campaign, which initially centered on promises of development, corruption-free governance, and a change in administration, has been overshadowed by political maneuvering and internal strife, leaving the electorate grappling with complex choices.
A Political Landscape in Turmoil
The political dynamics in this election are unusually tangled. The main opposition, the United Democratic Front (UDF), has been forced onto the defensive. This shift is largely due to the controversy surrounding Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, whose alleged movements have dominated headlines for days.
Meanwhile, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), positioned a distant third in the contest, faces a peculiar challenge. Their primary fight is not against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but against the UDF, which has been in the opposition at the local level for the past decade. The BJP itself, which achieved a notable feat by governing this largely Left-leaning district for two consecutive terms, is under pressure. The question on many minds is whether they can secure a hat-trick of victories, relying heavily on their party's strength at the Centre.
Internal discord is a common thread across all three major fronts. The UDF is concerned as former members contest as independents in several seats where the front traditionally holds an edge. The BJP, while having no official rebels, continues to grapple with discontent over leadership and unresolved tensions between outgoing chairperson Pramila Sasikumar and former district president C Krishnakumar. The LDF's campaign is notably marked by a significant number of candidates contesting under independent symbols rather than party banners. Adding to the mix, the Indian Union Muslim League aims to reclaim the three seats it lost last time, hoping to benefit from the prevailing confusion within the UDF.
Civic Neglect Takes Center Stage
Amidst the political cacophony, pressing civic issues remain a powerful influence on voters' decisions. The state of Palakkad's infrastructure is a major concern. Most ward roads are either damaged or in poor condition, and the twin problems of increasing traffic and narrow roads are widely discussed.
The UDF and LDF campaigns are highlighting the alleged non-fulfillment of promises made by the BJP during its second term. They point to significant delays in completing key projects like the town hall, the bus terminal complex, and indoor stadium works. In response, the BJP is presenting what it calls a progress report. Prashant Sivan, the party's district secretary, states, "We are going to the voters with our performance in the last few years and seeking a chance to continue our projects. After 35 years, we have introduced a new master plan for Palakkad which will prepare us for the changes from the central government's new Kochi-Bengaluru industrial corridor."
The municipality's reported achievements include the completion of a drinking water project ensuring sufficient supply, the clearing and networking of all drains to prevent waterlogging, a completed bus terminal, and a soon-to-be-ready shopping complex. Nearly 2,500 people have received new homes under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
The Ground Reality: Waste, Water, and Worry
For Palakkad's residents, however, daily struggles paint a different picture. Waste management remains a critical failure. While the Haritha Karma Sena handles plastic waste, the management of biowaste is a persistent challenge, with it often being dumped on main roadsides. Other nagging issues include frequent pipe bursts and the poor condition of roads.
To address safety and illegal dumping, the municipality installed 177 surveillance cameras across the town. However, this move has been mired in controversy, with allegations that most cameras are non-functional and that there was corruption in the tendering process.
Local leadership appears to be missing a larger, looming challenge. As highlighted by Vimal Venu, president of the Palakkad Management Association, the impending Kochi-Bengaluru industrial corridor will exponentially magnify existing problems. "Palakkad is the biggest industrial town in the state. We need wider roads as traffic is sure to increase. If public transport and connectivity cannot meet the demand, it will be a disaster," Venu warns, emphasizing the need for better recreational spaces, parks, and exhibition centers to manage future growth.
The strain on infrastructure and civic services will be immense, a lesson learned from cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode, where similar development has triggered real estate booms and placed unsustainable pressure on public utilities. As Palakkad votes, the choice is not just about political parties but about which coalition can effectively navigate this complex present and prepare for a demanding future.
