Young candidates infuse new energy into poll campaign

Young people and students are infusing much-needed enthusiasm into the electoral politics of the district.

When 21-year-old Muhammed Rafi learned that Krishna Ramachandran, his best friend, was contesting the local body elections, he rushed to congratulate her and wished her success. Ms. Krishna is contesting as an LDF candidate, while Mr. Rafi is an ardent UDF supporter. Despite their differing political ideologies, their friendship remains unaffected.

The very next day, following the announcement of Ms. Krishna’s candidature, Mr. Rafi received an even greater surprise when he was chosen as the UDF candidate from his ward.

LDF’s Krishna Ramachandran campaigning in ward 10 of Aluva municipality
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special arrangement

“I was overjoyed. Although we had no inkling of this, I was not surprised because he has always been active in politics and has done so much” says Ms. Krishna, a final-year student seeking a popular mandate in ward 10 of Aluva municipality.

“My mother was a councillor in the previous term, and I used to accompany her to work sometimes. So this does not feel new to me. When I meet residents here, they have so many grievances, and all I want to do is help them,” says the 21-year-old, a final-year BA Economics student at Sree Sankara Vidhyapeetom College, contesting from the general ward.

Political parties are largely fielding young candidates in the local body elections, with individuals as young as 21 or college students contesting against experienced politicians.

Mr. Rafi graduated from college only a few months ago. Though he was active in college politics, he never expected to contest in the election. “People are extremely supportive when I meet them. The region has an acute drinking water crisis. What they want is someone who will listen to their grievances and work to address them,” says Mr. Rafi, who is contesting from ward 13 of Edathala grama panchayat.

While Mr. Rafi and Ms. Krishna come from families with a political background, Mebin Jose, a third-year BSc Physics student at Sree Sankara College, Kalady, had to convince his family before stepping into the world of politics.

Now contesting from Division One of Koovappady Block Panchayat, Mr. Jose says that things are calmer at home. “My parents and relatives were always against my involvement in politics. But even at a young age, I tried to be financially independent, working odd jobs, so I had a voice. Our political ideologies did not match, but when my parents learnt that I am contesting, they became supportive,” says Mr. Jose, an LDF candidate.

“People have been very supportive. My classes will end in a few months, so it will not be a concern. I believe that as a councillor, the major responsibility is to ensure that all welfare measures and projects reach the people. This can have a huge impact and improve their lives,” says the 22-year-old.

UDF’s Charles Rayon Avarev meeting the residents of ward 14, Kadamakkudy grama panchayat.
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Charles Rayon Avarev may not be an accidental politician, but politics entered his life at the tender age of six and has stayed ever since. The 21-year-old from Kadamakkudy recalls, “My neighbour was contesting in the elections back then. I was just six, yet I went around campaigning and sticking posters. When I joined college, my family told me to stay away from politics, saying it could be dangerous,” he chuckles. Rayon is now the UDF candidate from ward 14 of Kadamakkudy grama panchayat.

“I have always been interested in working for the people. There is so much one can do as a councillor, and I intend to make a significant impact in my ward,” says Mr. Rayon.