The reservation of the post of mayor for women in the Kochi Corporation has added another dimension to the election management strategies of political parties. All three main fronts are currently playing cards when it comes to mayoral candidates, only admitting that there will be more competent contenders in the game.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has several seasoned candidates for the post, making the selection a tough task for its leadership. With most candidates having a strong base of support within the party, none are likely to give up without a fight. Perhaps anticipating this, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan will directly oversee the front’s electoral management in the corporation.
District Congress leaders admitted that more than five experienced candidates could legitimately stake a claim for the post, depending on the election outcome. The party had a rather tumultuous relationship with its last mayor, Soumini Jain, who a section of the party sought to remove halfway through her tenure. “This will not happen again,” said the senior leader.
CPI(M) sources said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would field more than one potential mayoral candidate. “The mayoress will be elected from among several experienced and educated councilors. Previous experience as a councilor will be preferred over the introduction of a new face,” they said.
A corporation-level election committee comprising incumbent mayor M. Anilkumar, party district secretary S. Sathish and veteran leader and former mayor M. Dinesh Mani is representing the party in the LDF discussions. Minister P. Rajeeve and State Committee Member CN Mohanan will be in charge of the society’s elections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to field competent and qualified women candidates but has decided not to field a specific mayoral candidate. The Kochi Corporation elections are managed by the party’s central leadership under the supervision of Foreign Secretary George Kurian. “The National Democratic Front will contest all 76 divisions and the first list is ready. It is likely to be approved when Mr. Kurian is expected here on Saturday. We will release the first list of candidates on the same day as the election announcement,” BJP sources said.
Published – 06 Nov 2025 21:37 IST
