For two families in Thrissur, the choice of candidates in the local body elections is extremely personal. Five family members contest elections from different wards for rival political fronts in the Irinjalakuda Municipality and the Cherpu, Chazhoor, Valapad and Thalikkulam panchayats in Thrissur.

The candidates are closely related. Sisters Shini Shylajan and Shiji Uthaman, their sister-in-law Ramya Shibu, their paternal aunt Shanthakumari Mohandas, and the aunt’s son-in-law V D Sandeep are all in the fray.

For Shini Shylajan, the contestant from the 5th ward of Cherpu, politics is neither new nor accidental. She has been active in public work for years and has served as the SNDP Peringottukara Union Women’s Wing Secretary for the last 15 years. She also contested in the previous panchayat elections.

“I have always been involved in public activities,” she says. “My inclination has been towards the NDA for some time and I have been working with them. In our family, political discussions happen often, but it never becomes anything more than that.”

Shini says the family did not coordinate their entries into the polls. “I knew I would contest, but it was only after the others decided to file their nominations that they called me for advice. They see me as someone who has experience dealing with people and organisations, so I helped them however I could.”

Her sister Shiji Uthaman, contesting from the eighth ward of the Chazhoor panchayat, is stepping into electoral politics for the first time. Shiji is known locally because she serves as the secretary of the Inchamudi library, a role that has brought her close to residents in her area.

“Our family has always leaned towards the LDF, but I was never active in party work,” she says. “When this opportunity came, I decided to go ahead with it. I know the people here, and they know who I am. Within the family, there is a healthy kind of competition, but nothing negative.”

Shiji says voters are amused more than anything. “Everybody knows we are from the same family. People keep asking how there are so many candidates from one household, but they say it with a smile. They are supportive.”

Shini’s sister-in-law Ramya Shibu is also a first-time contestant. She is the LDF candidate in ward 42 of the Irinjalakuda Municipality. Ramya says the sequence of candidacies happened almost accidentally.

“One person was confirmed, and the rest followed one after another,” she says. “We did not get time to sit together and discuss all this because everyone is busy campaigning. But the support from home is complete. When we meet, we talk about it lightly. There is no disagreement or anything like that.”

Their paternal aunt Shanthakumari Mohandas brings yet another front to the frame. She is contesting as the LDF candidate in ward 10 of the Valappad panchayat. Her son-in-law V D Sandeep is also seeking votes, but as the UDF candidate in the Kalanji division of the Thalikkulam panchayat.

Panjal rivalry
Three close relatives are contesting from rival political fronts — the LDF, the UDF and the NDA — while continuing to live within the same compound at Panjal ward. Girija (LDF), Renuka (UDF) and Jayasree (NDA) live only steps apart, separated by nothing more than a fence. Despite representing competing political fronts, all three insist their personal ties remain unaffected.

For BJP candidate Jayasree (54), politics was never part of her plans. She agreed to contest only after BJP workers visited her and her children encouraged her. Initially, she refused, as her sister, Renuka, and aunt, Girija, were expected to be in the fray. “I did not want the family members contesting the same election,” she said. As rumours of her sister opting out emerged, the party returned with the offer, and Jayasree accepted. She works as a lab technician at a private hospital in Cheruthuruthi and often manages night shifts before heading out to campaign.

Renuka (52), the UDF candidate, carries more public experience owing to her long association with cooperative politics. She is serving her third term as a board member of the Killimangalam Service Cooperative Bank, which she considers her entry point into organised political life. Renuka affirms that political rivalry has not shaken their close-knit family. “We visit each other, talk regularly and attend calls. Nothing changes. Politics has never spilled into our homes," she said.

LDF candidate Girija (59) is contesting for the first time. She said she entered electoral politics only after local party workers approached her. “I have always admired Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s governance. I used to help people personally but never as a political activist,” she said. She discussed the proposal with her husband and children before agreeing.

Girija, who studied up to Class 10 and spent most of her life as a homemaker, said she felt ready to work for the public once her children were settled. “I am a grandmother of five. With fewer responsibilities now at home, I can give time to the community.” Her priorities include tackling water shortage and repairing damaged roads. Her husband, Chandran, works as an engineer in Tamil Nadu. Their daughter lives abroad, while their son — employed at a bank — stays nearby with his family.

Despite the intense three-way contest, the family has kept clear boundaries between politics and personal relationships. They continue to share news, exchange help and maintain their regular interactions. “We know only one of us will win,” Girija said. “Whoever it is, we will accept it. Family comes first.”