Muvattupuzha Assembly constituency UDF candidate Mathew Kuzhalnadan during his election campaign on Wednesday. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
It was around 10.30am on Wednesday when Illikkunnu, a small junction at the end of a largely isolated narrow road, slipped into election mode. The campaign cavalcade of United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Mathew Kuzhalnadan in Muvattupuzha Assembly constituency entered the rustic setting and sparked a brief political festivity.
Dressed in a white dhothi and shirt, Mr Kuzhalnadan presented himself as a village boy to supporters who gathered to receive him, in stark contrast to the stylish, suave persona he projects on social media. “I was cycling here when I came to my mother’s nearby,” he said as he was handed garlands, scarves and even a bunch of bananas.
Seeking re-election in Muvattupuzha, which he wrested from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in 2021, Mr Kuzhalnadan said he was confident and proud to face the electorate again. “We have been able to get sanction for development works worth ₹1,298 crore in the constituency, but a lot remains to be done,” he said, seeking a mandate to speed up development, “once the UDF comes to power after the elections.”
The Illikkunnu halt and the adjoining areas formed part of his Palakuzha block campaign. He was accompanied by Congress leader Ullas Thomas, chairman of its election committee. The trail also had its emotional moments. An elderly woman blessed the candidate: “How can I not welcome him when he comes here?” A young, frail-looking woman approached him with a simple request – a way to her home – which he promised to look into.
LDF candidate in Muvattupuzha N. Arun during his election campaign in the constituency on Wednesday. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Earlier in the day, Pulinchodu junction in Muvattupuzha town witnessed a contrasting, high-energy launch of the LDF campaign. Supporters of Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate N. Arun, the party’s Ernakulam district secretary, arrived well ahead of schedule, many wearing T-shirts bearing his photograph. A group of young people dancing to popular folk songs added color and vigor to a quick meeting in a corner.
Mr. Arun focused on meeting as many voters as possible and emphasized his attempt to build a personal relationship. “All I want to assure you is that you will never have to regret electing a ‘corrupt’ MLA if you vote for me,” he said. He highlighted the development plan of the LDF and listed priorities such as strengthening the agrarian economy of Muvattupuzha, harnessing its tourism potential and exploring the possibility of the cyber city to attract the IT sector.
Muvattupuzha NDA candidate Sunny Kadoothazhe during his election campaign in the constituency on Wednesday. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Meanwhile, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Sunny Kaduthazhe of Twenty20 spent the pre-noon meeting with key constituencies and influential figures. He visited the Muvattupuzha Judicial Complex and interacted with lawyers at the Bar Association office.
Accusing successive LDF and UDF governments and MLAs of neglecting the comprehensive development of the constituency, Mr Kaduthazhe outlined an ambitious programme. “The three bypasses are a must for us to end the city’s traffic woes,” he said and also proposed a Union government-backed factory to produce value-added pineapple products and ensure a minimum price of ₹40 per kg. His promises included reviving the Rubber Marketing Society, setting up a food security market on the Kizhakkambalam model and completing the Arakuza drinking water project.
Exuding confidence, he said the combined strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Twenty20, along with his reach among farmers, would ensure victory. Mr. Kaduthazhe was also instrumental in organizing the farmers’ protest against the controversial amendment to the Nature Conservation Act.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 23:14 IST
