LDF activists celebrating (left) and Jose K. Mani | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Kottayam: With Jose K. Mani joining the LDF just before the LSG polls, UDF lost three of its fortresses in Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta.
The defeat was so damaging that UDF lost several of its traditional strongholds including Pala and Puthuppally along with Pathanamthitta and Kottayam district panchayats. The results have also proved the might of Jose K. Mani and the two leaves symbol.
Jose K Mani crumbles UDF fortress in Kottayam
Kottayam has always been a UDF fortress. It is also the land of prominent UDF leaders including Oommen Chandy and the late K. M. Mani. But as Jose K. Mani went to LDF, the Kottayam district panchayat followed suit. UDF also lost the block panchayat and municipality.LSG polls in Kottayam was seen as a tussle between rivals Jose K. Mani and P. J. Joseph. But as results came out, it was Jose who was clearly leading 7 out of the 9 seats in which his party contested.
Meanwhile in Poonjar, P. C. George’s son and Janapaksham candidate Adv. Shone George secured victory.
In 2015, UDF had won 48 panchayats while the LDF could win only 21. But in 2020, Jose K. Mani has helped LDF nearly double their tally with 40 while UDF lost more than half of their seats and were reduced to just 23. BJP won three seats while independent candidates won in 5 panchayats.
The story was similar in block panchayats as UDF could win only 2 seats in 2020. They had won 8 seats in 2015. Meanwhile, LDF tripled its seats to 9. UDF had won 5 out of the 6 municipalities in 2015. But now, they have only 3. Jose K. Mani has proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with.
Two leaves symbol shining brightly in Pathanamthitta
Jose K. Mani’s entry has helped the LDF secure the lead in Pathanamthitta. In both Ranni and Pulikeezhu divisions, where Jose and Joseph factions went head to head, the LDF is leading.In district panchayats, the LDF is leading in 11 seats. The story is no different in Thiruvalla and Pathanamthitta municipalities where Jose and Joseph factions faced each other.
Votes gained by the Jose K. Mani faction have helped LDF make inroads in Pathanamthitta, which has been a UDF stronghold.
Joseph loses in Thodupuzha as Jose aids LDF surge
Joseph faction has lost its footing in Thodupuzha municipality while Kattappana proved to be a banana peel on the road for Jose faction. However, Jose K. Mani’s arrival has helped LDF gain the upper hand in District, block and village panchayats.The Jose faction had contested in 13 seats in Kattappana municipality but could not win any.
At the same time, the Joseph faction lost its hometown of Thodupuzha. Out of the 7 seats in which they contested, the Joseph faction could only win 2 seats.
In Thodupuzha municipality, Jose and Joseph factions won 2 seats each. UDF won the Purappuzha panchayat where P. J. Joseph’s house is located.
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