Landslide victory helps UDF cushion blow from Congress rebels in Kochi

For once, the presence of Congress rebels did not cost the United Democratic Front (UDF) dear in the Kochi Corporation, though it did restrict the UDF majority from crossing the historic marker of 50 seats.

Going into the polls, Congress candidates faced challenges from rebel contenders in at least nine divisions. In what seemed a close battle, it was predicted that this could make or break the UDF’s fortunes, just as rebels had more or less sealed its fate in 2020. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) was quick to seize the opportunity and describe it as a deadly blow to its principal opponent.

Rebels-turned-Independent candidates were present in Palarivattom, Girinagar, Poonithura, Chullickal, Moolamkuzhy, Mundamveli East, Manasserry, Panayappilly, and Konam divisions. The UDF lost six of these — five to the LDF and one to the Bharatiya Janata Party. V.K. Minimol, P.D. Martin, and Xavier P. Antony survived the challenge posed by Joseph Alex, Malini Kurup, and Hareesh Kumar in Palarivattom, Girinagar, and Poonithura divisions respectively.

Ms. Minimol’s victory margin of 856 votes was higher than the 462 votes secured by Mr. Alex who finished third behind the LDF candidate. Mr. Antony polled 105 votes more than the 511 votes secured by Mr. Kumar. Though Mr. David won, his majority of 472 was lower than the 761 votes polled by Ms. Kurup, who came third ahead of the BJP candidate.

In the Chullickal division, Bastin Babu, another Independent, emerged the winner with a margin of 618 votes, defeating Congress candidate Sebastian Antony.

Congress candidate Shaila Thadhevoose lost to the CPI(M)’s Joseph Fernandes by a mere 276 votes, likely due to the 361 votes secured by Independent candidate K.G. Antony. The damage was even worse in the Mundamveli East division, where the LDF-backed K.J. Prakashan scraped through with a majority of 15 votes after Independent Ashley Jacob won 368 votes, and in Manasserry, where CPI(M) candidate Nisha Joseph edged out Congress candidate K.J. Rexy by 88 votes after K.V. Rosy Sofia secured a decisive 852 votes.