UDF candidate Deepthi Mary Varghese campaigned in Stadium division of Kochi Corporation on Monday. | Photo credit: RK Nithin
The two first-time sitting councilors from the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) are in a tight fight in the newly created Stadium Division of the Kochi Corporation, where Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), a component of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is also in the fray, making it a three-cornered contest.
Kerala Pradesh Congress (KPCC) general secretary and All Indian Congress Committee standing member Deepthi Mary Verghese is taking on independent george in the ldf-backed division. J. Asokan, social activist and former president of Mamangalam BDJS branch, is the ND candidate.
Although both Ms Varghese and Mr Nanatt are sitting councillors, neither can claim the full benefit as the Stadium division created after the delimitation is an amalgamation of their sitting divisions. Geographically, the division includes more areas from Ms. Varghese’s Karukappilli division compared to Mr. Nanatta’s Karanakkodam division along with parts of the Palarivattom division.
LDF-backed independent George Nanatt meets the electorate in the division. | Photo credit: RK Nithin
The division has assumed high-profile status amid reports that Ms Varghese and the UDF are likely to be mayor if they win. However, Ms Varghese played down the speculation and said she was focused on ensuring victory for “Team UDF”. “Most of the areas from my sitting division have been included in the Stadium division. So people already know me and that gives me confidence in this election. After the Brahmapuram fire in 2023, I started an initiative near the stadium called Bhumi Mitra, which has the capacity to process up to 500 kg of biodegradable waste and turn it into manure, though it could not be freely distributed among the cafe residents.” Ms. Varghese, who contested unsuccessfully from Kunnumpuram division a decade ago.
Mr Nanatt remains confident of winning the division. His confidence is boosted by his success in breaking the Karanakkodam stronghold of the UDF, held by the party for three decades, in the last election. “The division, which is largely made up of Ms. Varghese’s sitting division, still does not even have an anganwadi, forcing residents to rely on neighboring divisions. Stadium Link Road and the residential area of nearby Vasanth Nagar continue to be flooded during every heavy rain,” said Mr. Nanatt.
NDA candidate J. Ashokan interacting with voters. | Photo credit: RK Nithin
Meanwhile, Mr. Asokan cites his personal experience as a resident of the division. “I have been a direct victim of frequent waterlogging which has been consistently ignored by both the incumbent councilor and successive LDF and UDF management committees. Floodwaters have invaded my house on more than one occasion. Then there is the issue of stray dogs that have forced me to stop my morning walks. Both BJP and BDJS have pockets of influence in the division.”
The newly created Stadium division has almost 6,500 voters.
Published – 24 Nov 2025 21:07 IST
