Kannur: Politically Kannur district has always had a tilt towards the Left. The top leaders of the Left Democratic Front government hail from this northern district. The principal issue in the ongoing civic poll campaign here is the corruption allegation faced by the ruling dispensation.
However, the UDF hopes the LDF would face a upset owing to the major allegations the latter is facing at present.
Bineesh Kodiyeri's arrest, gold smuggling, Keezhattoor bypass agitation and resentment among high-range farmers over the attacks of wild animals are some of the major issues against the government. The LDF on the other hand is countering these charges by showcasing its remarkable achievements in the development sector.
Last time the LDF was way ahead in the three-tier panchayati raj institutions. In the Kannur Municipal Corporation, where the UDF and LDF finished neck and neck, the Left succeeded in ruling the corporation for four years with the support of Congress rebel P K Ragesh. With the rebel returning to his parent party, the UDF came to power in the remaining one year.
In the last assembly elections LDF had secured eight of the 11 assembly seats in the district. However in Lok Sabha elections, the Kannur seat was wrested by UDF from the LDF. The UDF also wrested Kasaragod Lok Sabha seat which includes Kannur district’s Kalliyasseri and Payyanur assembly segments and retained Vadakara Lok Sabha seat which comprises Koothuparamba and Thalassery Assembly segments.
The UDF's confidence also stems from the victories secured in the LDF strongholds.
The LDF which tasted power for four years in Kannur Corporation is dreaming of a comeback. On the other hand the UDF is aspiring to win the district panchayat where it has never tasted victory yet.
Even though it may not capture power on its own, in many places the BJP can become a decisive factor. The party is hopeful of capturing such seats in the coming local body polls.
Strengths and weaknesses
The LDF is jubilant over winning 18 seats unopposed before the local body polls. Responding to their jubilation, the UDF says only those who do not believe in democratic contests, feel elated over unilateral victories. Even though last time the LDF captured power with its candidates getting elected unopposed in 14 wards of Anthoor Municipality, this time they could win only six seats without contest there.
Kanur is considered to be the party's strong bastion but that has not prevented the CPM from experimenting with independent candidates.
On the other hand there is still confusion in the UDF as it has failed to clearly explain its tie up with the Welfare Party.
In Valapattanam panchayat where the Congress and League are equally powerful, the two parties are fighting polls alone. In three wards the KPCC and DCC have fielded separate candidates.
The crossover of LJD could create headaches for UDF in Panur and Koothuparamba regions while Kerala Congress (M) exit is likely to adversely affect its electoral prospects in high-range areas.
The CPM cadre is annoyed over the manner in which new entrants have secured more seats than old party loyalists.
2016 Civic Poll Results - Seat Count
Kannur Municipal Corporation
Total seats: 55 -- UDF: 28 (Congress: 17, Muslim League: 10, Ind: 1) and LDF: 27 (CPM: 23, CPI: 2, Left Ind: 2)
Kannur District Panchayat
Total seats: 24 -- LDF: 15 (CPM: 13 and CPI - 2) and UDF: 9 {(Congress: 6, Muslim League: 1, LJD: 1, Kerala Congress M: 1.) Both LJD and Kerala Congress are with LDF now}
Grama panchayats: 71 - LDF: 52 and UDF: 19.
Block Panchayats: 11 - All LDF
Town Municipalities: 8 - LDF: 5 and UDF: 3.
