The Ravipuram division of the Kochi Corporation has been in the news even before the election, after the Congress attempted to infuse an element of surprise by withholding the announcement of its candidate from the division.
Ravipuram has traditionally been an impregnable stronghold of the party until sitting councillor and independent candidate S. Sasikala breached it in 2020.
While Ms. Sasikala was already in the fray once again as a CPI(M)-backed independent, rumours suggested that the Congress continued negotiations with its two-time councillor and former mayor, Soumini Jain, as its potential candidate. Reportedly, Ms. Jain insisted on an assurance of being made mayor again if the United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power, a condition the Congress leadership found difficult to concede, prolonging the suspense uncomfortably.
Eventually, the District Congress Committee leadership introduced Antony Judy, who had contested against Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden in the last general election as a Twenty20 candidate. He was simultaneously granted party membership and a ticket from Ravipuram. The decision to field someone who had previously opposed the party created discontent among sections of the Congress and the Youth Congress. By then, the National Democratic Alliance had already fielded C.G. Rajagopal, a State Council member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as its candidate.
“I am confident of victory based on the work I have carried out in the division over the past five years. The CPI(M) has also probably realised this while backing a non-party member as an independent in a general seat. I have released a leaflet detailing the development projects implemented in the division, which I would not have dared to do if I had doubts about convincing the people,” says Ms. Sasikala, who had unsuccessfully contested from the division in 2005.
She has been a Kathakali practitioner for the past 25 years and is scheduled to perform at the Vrischikolsavam festival amidst her hectic campaign on November 25. Ms. Sasikala has also acted in several popular films such as Sunday Holiday, Vijay Superum Pournamiyum, and Prathi Poovankozhi. “Art brings you closer to the people, just as politics does when pursued with honesty rather than pretence,” she says.
Mr. Judy believes his biggest advantage is being a resident of the division, making him familiar to the people. He is confident that the Congress’ organisational machinery is firmly behind him despite his recent induction, and that he enjoys the support of both the Ernakulam MLA and MP. “My campaign is not based on promises. I tell the people that I am one among them and will represent them honestly. I am confident of winning their trust and the division,” Mr. Judy says.
The BJP, however, claims that this time the real contest is between the LDF and its candidate, with the UDF reduced to an also-ran. In the last election, the BJP candidate came close to victory, falling short by just 50 votes behind eventual winner Ms. Sasikala and only 21 votes behind the CPI(M) candidate, who finished second.
“Development in the division has been uneven, with many colonies still neglected. Whatever progress has been achieved has largely been through Central funds, such as those from the Cochin Smart Mission Limited, without which the Corporation would come to a standstill,” says Mr. Rajagopal, who believes being BJP’s Assembly candidate in Parliament and Assembly elections gives him the added advantage of being a familiar face.
The division has been expanded following delimitation, incorporating portions of the Perumanur and Ernakulam South divisions, with a voter base of nearly 4,500.
Published – November 22, 2025 01:02 pm IST
