Rajan J. Pallan, Leader of the Opposition in the Thrissur Corporation.
| Photo Credit: NAJEEB KK
The political winds in Thrissur are shifting fast, and Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Thrissur Corporation Rajan J. Pallan is certain about where they are heading to. A strong and unmistakable wave is rising in favour of the Congress, he says, insisting that voters are ready to correct what he calls the slip between the lip and the cup in the last election.
“We are returning with a thumping majority this time,” Mr. Pallan asserts. “We expect nothing less than 38 seats in the Thrissur Corporation.”
In 2020, the Corporation witnessed a rare deadlock: six seats went to the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the remaining 49 were split evenly between the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front with 24 each, giving the lone Independent, M.K. Varghese, the role of kingmaker. He eventually became the Mayor.
This time, Mr. Pallan believes the picture will be different. He points to what he describes as deep public resentment against a decade of LDF rule.
“The last ten years of LDF governance have written a black chapter in the city’s history. People are fed up with misrule and corruption. The LDF claims it spent ₹1,500 crore on development, but where is it? Look at the pathetic roads, erratic water supply, collapsed waste management system. Three lives were lost on potholed roads in the city. Even after spending ₹260 crore, the drinking water situation is a mess. And they wasted ₹18 crore building a sky-way when people struggled for basic needs. Even the Swaraj Round, the heart of Thrissur, is full of potholes,” says Mr. Pallan.
He also accuses the Corporation of burdening residents with exorbitant taxes. “People have had enough. They are waiting to give the LDF a fitting reply.”
The Congress, Mr. Pallan says, is entering the race with fresh energy and renewed confidence. More than a dozen candidates are under the age of 35, alongside senior leaders, including KPCC office-bearers and former councillors. Women have been fielded even in general seats, which Mr. Pallan says is a first for the Corporation.
“Everyone says youngsters are the future of the country, but that promise is usually forgotten when candidate lists are prepared. This time, the Congress has kept its word.” He dismisses the BJP’s claim that it can replicate its Lok Sabha momentum in the local polls.
“Last time, people voted for Suresh Gopi the actor, not the BJP. Many of those who supported him now openly regret it. His image has faded and he is simply not approachable,” he says. “The BJP made big declarations that prominent leaders will contest here and take the Corporation. But when we look at its list, no such candidates exist.”
On defections and internal rumblings within the Congress, Mr. Pallan remains calm.
“These are minor ripples. They won’t affect the outcome,” he says. “We had to choose candidates from a pool of 10 to 15 strong contenders in many divisions. Disappointment is natural. Such disagreements have always existed during candidate selection. But when the campaign heats up, all differences will melt away. Congress is a liberal party; we have the freedom to express diverse opinions.”
According to Mr. Pallan, the real crisis is within the LDF. “Even sitting councillors are resigning and leaders are being dropped. Many were excluded due to corruption allegations,” he alleges.
As Thrissur heads toward a crucial local election, Mr. Pallan is confident that the electorate is ready for change.
“People do not want excuses any more. They want real governance back.”
Published – November 21, 2025 09:30 am IST
