KOCHI: Even as the UDF projects confidence of a comfortable victory in the 2026 assembly elections, the race in Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan’s turf – Paravur – looks much less straightforward.
A five-time MLA from the constituency, Satheesan has traditionally secured victories by comfortable margins. This time, however, the mood on the ground suggests a tighter contest, with the BJP-led LDF and NDA fielding strong candidates. “It will be a very close race this time,” said PJ Sajan and Biju KK, who run a cool bar at the private bus stand in North Paravur.
“In the previous elections, Satheesan’s victory was almost certain. Now, with the LDF fielding a strong candidate and the BJP also looking to expand its vote share, he is likely to face stiff competition. That said, he has done a lot for the region despite being in the opposition for the last 10 years,” they said.
The CPI has fielded Kaipamangalam MLA ET Taison as the LDF candidate in Paravur, while the NDA has fielded former Congress leader and Mayor Valsala Prasannakumar as its nominee.
“People here have a good opinion of Taison Master as a leader. At the same time, the BJP is steadily gaining ground in the constituency. In the last local body elections, the BJP won two seats in the municipality,” said Radhakrishnan PA, an autorickshaw driver. He added that he favors the continuation of the Pinarayi Vijayan government.
