Most Kochi city campuses untouched by election fever

Local body elections have generated little buzz on Kochi’s campuses. Life continues on city campuses untouched by the election fever raging outside.

“I am glad that there is no politics here. There is so much peace!” says a relieved Francis K. Antony, a student of St. Albert’s College. For him, no politics means no strike, and also no missed classes. “There are no distractions, and you can focus on your studies. But I will vote,” he says.

Lakshmi R. Krishna and Swathy Jayasankar of Sacred Heart College, Thevara.
| Photo Credit:
H. VIBHU

While the local body elections have not caused any ripples on campuses, a few students are clear about their own politics.

“My vote will go to the person who can be my voice. This election is important because the winners will directly be addressing the concerns of the wards,” says Lakshmi R. Krishna, a second year student of English Literature at Sacred Heart College, Thevara. Her friend Swathy Jayasankar, a second year BCom student, concurs and notes that it is sad that some sections of students are indifferent to politics.

“While we do discuss politics, not everyone is aware of it. It is important to cast your vote and elect someone who can help in the development of your ward. Each vote is important,” she says.

Muhammed Afreed of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam.
| Photo Credit:
H. VIBHU

While the college union is active at St. Teresa’s College, there is no party-based politics there.

“We work only for students,” says Ardra Baiju, an office-bearer of the college union. “During elections, we do hold awareness classes on the need to take part in elections, but we do not support any party,” she adds.

Students, however, have their own political allegiance. In the case of Sweatha G., this election feels much more personal. “Two of my relatives are candidates in my ward. Though it is personal this time, my vote will go to the candidate who has been willing to help people,” says Ms. Sweatha, a final year Communicative English student.

“Voting is the greatest right we get to exercise. So, what we can do is elect a good leader,” says Ardra, as Ms. Sweatha cuts in: “Essentially, it is all about hope.”

Mridul Madhusudhan of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam.
| Photo Credit:
H. VIBHU

While local body elections may not have made any ripples in city colleges, Maharaja’s College paints a different picture. Politics and political discussions permeate the air here.

Muhammed Afreed, college union chairman, says students recently took out a rally to campaign for a candidate. “We have been campaigning for the candidate who is contesting in this ward. There was much support for the rally and campaign by students, as we went around seeking vote from the public,” says Mr. Afreed, a native of Kannur.

Mridul Madhusudhan, a second year BA Hindi student, rues that being apolitical is a sad state of affairs. “A major section of students are interested in politics here. Your vote is your greatest political power. Your participation in elections is how you get your voice heard, how you get to elect the right representative to advocate for you and get your needs met. Disregard for the electoral process and voting will not help anyone, and you will end up losing what is rightfully yours,” he adds.