RSP(L) leader Kovoor Kunjumon breaks down over election defeat in Kunnathoor

Kollam: After a quarter-century of representing the Kunnathoor constituency, RSP(L) leader Kovoor Kunjumon was overcome with emotion on Friday while addressing his first major electoral defeat. Kunjumon, who has held the seat since 2001, lost to RSP candidate Ullas Kovoor by a huge margin of approximately 25,000 votes.

A legacy interrupted

Kunjumon’s political journey saw a major shift in 2016 when he broke away from the original RSP—which had joined the UDF in 2014—to form the Revolutionary Socialist Party (Leninist-Marxist). His faction subsequently aligned with the LDF, maintaining his stronghold until this latest election cycle.

Reflecting on his tenure and the unexpected result, Kunjumon emphasised his commitment to the region, "I was able to bring all government aid for the development of the constituency. I lived among the people, and I still do. I accept the defeat, and the LDF will come back strongly."

The veteran politician expressed confusion over the shift in voter sentiment, noting that the constituency had historically resisted UDF waves even when the rest of the state swung differently. "Where the vote leakage happened will be identified and examined," he remarked.

Development Vs propaganda

Addressing his campaign strategy, Kunjumon defended his record, specifically citing ₹1,010 crore worth of development projects, including those funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). He attributed his loss not to a lack of work, but to a lack of self-promotion.

"I am not a person who engages in such propaganda. But now I feel such efforts should have been made," he admitted, suggesting that his failure to use flex boards and campaign advertisements to highlight new roads and schools may have cost him the election.

Personal reflections

The briefing took a poignant turn when Kunjumon was asked about his personal life and a recent vehicle purchase. Breaking into tears, he explained that his lifestyle had not changed despite the new car.

"When Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan travelled in a black car, I too desired to own a similar car. All my savings were in chit funds, and I used them to buy the car for Rs 27 lakh. There is no problem with it."

Despite the emotional toll of the defeat, Kunjumon maintained that he would remain active in public service and continue to advocate for the unfinished projects in Kunnathoor.

PTI