Palakkad, March 20: The Ottapalam assembly seat in Kerala’s Palakkad district, traditionally seen as a one-sided contest, has transformed into a captivating battleground ahead of the elections scheduled for April 9. This time, the competition features a former party leader, a film personality, and the sitting MLA.
At the center of this contest is P.K. Sasi, a former influential leader of the CPI(M) who was elected from the Shoranur seat in 2016. Due to internal party disputes in 2021, he was denied a ticket, leading to his appointment as the chairman of the Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation. However, last month, he resigned from this position and left the party.
Sasi has now made a significant political move by deciding to contest as an independent candidate supported by the Congress party. The Congress leadership has also extended its backing to him. Known for his candid demeanor, Sasi has emerged as a prominent figure among disgruntled CPI(M) workers in the Palakkad area over the past year.
Adding to the intrigue of this contest is BJP candidate Major Ravi. A former NSG commando, Ravi was part of the team that pursued the assassins of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. After retiring from the army, he made a name for himself in Malayalam cinema, appearing in several military-themed films alongside superstar Mohanlal.
Ravi’s political journey has been tumultuous. Initially associated with the BJP, he was briefly in contact with the Congress party but formally rejoined the BJP in 2023. While he has a strong public presence, converting that into votes will be a significant challenge for him.
On the other hand, the incumbent MLA K. Premkumar from CPI(M) is considered quite popular at the local level. Traditionally regarded as a bastion of the left, this seat provides him with an organizational advantage. However, Sasi’s rebellious stance has created some discontent within the party, complicating his path.
The Congress party, which has not won this seat in the last 25 years, is hoping to breach the CPI(M) stronghold with Sasi’s support. In previous elections, the victory margin has ranged between 13,000 to 15,000 votes; thus, even a slight swing in votes could alter the outcome.
This election in Ottapalam is being viewed as a rigorous test of loyalty versus rebellion, popularity versus organization, and star power versus grassroots dynamics.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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