Thiruvananthapuram: Lekshmi, an elderly woman from Pinarayi in Kannur, gets emotional when talking about their MLA, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
“With his help, my house was avoided due to debt. He saved my family from losing their house,” says Lekshmi, who was sitting at the bus stop waiting in Pinarayi on Friday.
Her friend Komalavalli adds, “Not only Lekshmi, many of us got grievance relief from him. He is not at all a stubborn or unapproachable person as you often say. He never shows any kind of discrimination against people and helps them in every way.”
Salina, who runs a shop in Pinarayi, also has no different opinion about their MLA. “The friend may seem quite harsh. But we have never had such an experience from him. Every time he comes to his house here, he will spend time in the MCK office and allow people to meet him. I also approached him with a complaint from my sister and it was resolved,” says Salina.
Prakashan, who was at Salina’s shop to buy groceries, also adds that for them Vijayan was not the stubborn or arrogant person as is widely considered.
After campaigning for the party across the state, Vijayan on Friday resumed campaigning in his Dharmadam constituency, from where he is seeking the mandate for the third time in a row.
Situated about 20 kilometers south of Kannur city, Dharmadam is a village that offers picturesque views of backwaters and mangroves. Kerala’s only beach, Muzhappilangad, is also located in Dharamadam. Over the last ten years, the constituency witnessed significant developments such as setting up of an educational center at a cost of Rs 285 crores and construction of bridges, improvement of roads and amenities for tourists.
Amidst his busy schedules, Pinarayi often struggles to keep up with the schedules. Although his campaign meetings are scheduled from 10 am onwards, he reaches his MLA office at the Pinarayi convention center near his home well in advance. After a brief discussion with local party leaders, he will launch the campaign. His teenage grandson Ishan can also be seen accompanying the 80-year-old leader on his campaign trail.
Party workers are ensuring a festive mood at Vijayan’s campaign meeting points, with red decorations using party flags and red balloons, t-shirts with Vijayan’s photos and band performance. Participants are also given red umbrellas with the symbols of the KPM party, due to the scorching summer. Cultural programs such as dramas are also organized as part of the campaign meetings.
In his speech at the campaign meeting, Vijayan’s main focus will be to attack the Congress-led United Democratic Front, which is the main opposition party in Kerala. He also highlights his government’s welfare and development initiatives.
People, divided by gender and age, could also be seen jostling for a selfie chance or extending their arms for a handshake from the most influential CPM leader in the country now.
Vijayan’s victory margin in Dharmadam increased from 36,905 in 2016 to 50,123 in 2021. He is now facing Congress VP candidate Abdul Rasheed and BJP leader K Ranjith.
