Hat-trick or heartbreak? Minister Veena faces tight contest in Aranmula

Kerala's Aranmula constituency is set for a competitive Assembly election, with key candidates focusing on development, health sector performance, and religious issues to sway voters.

In Aranmula, a small town on the banks of the Pamba River, tradition shapes daily life -- and, in election season, the pulse of politics as well.

The political contest in the Aranamula constituency leaves little hidden from an attentive electorate, much like the famous Aranmula Kannadi -- a rare, handmade metal-alloy mirror crafted using a centuries-old secret technique passed down through generations.

Aranmula is also home to the famous 'Uthrattathi Jalamela', a popular boat race linked to the revered Parthasarathy Temple.

Much like the race, the political contest for the April 9 assembly polls in the constituency, which witnessed a major ecological agitation against the proposed Aranmula International Airport project, is closely watched, with health minister Veena George, the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Democratic Front candidate, seeking a third consecutive term.

Her campaign rests largely on one message -- development carried out under Left rule-- which she hopes will once again win the trust of voters.

Her opponents, Abin Varkey Kodiyattu of the Congress and Kummanam Rajasekharan of the Bharatiya Janata Party, are equally confident.

Both believe the political tide may turn in their favour this time.

George first won the seat in 2016 with a margin of 7,646 votes. In 2021, she expanded that lead significantly, securing victory by 19,003 votes.

As the constituency heads into another election, the question remains whether that margin reflects enduring support -- or a lead that can still be challenged.

After Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, George has been among the most prominent targets of the Opposition in Kerala over the past five years, with allegations that the state's health sector is "on a ventilator".

The phrase continues to feature prominently in the Congress-led United Democratic Front's campaign in the constituency.

George, however, appears unfazed. She has described the attacks as often "highly personal and painful", but remains determined to retain the seat.

"The developments achieved in the health sector in Kerala need not be spelt out. Everyone can see them on the ground. We are leaders in all health indices in the country," she told PTI Videos between campaign engagements.

She also alleged that the Congress had raised large sums through electoral bonds from private hospital managements and was seeking to undermine Kerala's public health system.

"If a government general hospital offers transplant surgeries, how can private hospitals thrive? We have done that, and the Congress wants to destroy that capability to aid private hospitals," she said.

George expressed confidence in her record as an MLA, listing development projects in Aranmula, including bridges, hospital upgrades and improvements to school infrastructure.

"I am sure that we are going to improve our majority this time," she added.

Challengers emerge

Her main challenger, Abin Varkey Kodiyattu, a state vice-president of the Youth Congress, is positioning himself as a candidate of change.

He hopes to wrest the constituency back for the Congress, which last held it in 2011.

In Aranmula, both the UDF and NDA have raised the Sabarimala gold loss as a key election issue, as the constituency falls within the Pathanamthitta district, home to the Sabarimala temple.

At campaign meetings, Kodiyattu frequently raises Sabarimala, along with what he describes as George's "failures" as both MLA and health minister.

"What has the MLA brought to this constituency even after two terms? She has failed as health minister -- you can see that in the taluk hospital in Aranmula. It is in a sorry state," he alleged.

Kodiyattu expressed confidence that voters across communities would back him.

"One cannot win with the support of one community alone. Everyone wants change, and they will support me," he said during a campaign stop at Niravilpuzha.

BJP's strategy

The NDA secured a vote share of over 17 percent in the 2021 elections in Aranmula, down from 23 percent in 2016 when the BJP fielded its state general secretary MT Ramesh.

The alliance appears more confident this time, with senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan, a former governor of Mizoram, contesting from the seat.

Aranmula has a sizeable presence of both Hindu and Christian voters, segments the NDA is actively targeting.

Pointing to what he described as growing support among sections of the Christian community, Rajasekharan said he represents what the constituency now seeks.

Rajasekharan was a prominent leader of the agitation against the proposed Aranmula airport project, spearheading protests and helping mobilise public opposition that ultimately led to the project being scrapped.

"The Christian communities here -- whether Mar Thoma, Orthodox or Catholic --know how I have stood with them. They consider me one among them and encourage me wherever I go. They want development, and they now believe the BJP can deliver," he told PTI after meeting the vicar of St Thomas Orthodox Valiyapally in Omallur.

Rajasekharan said the lack of development remains a key concern and that the Sabarimala gold theft issue cannot be dismissed.

"Development in physical infrastructure alone is not enough. People must also feel secure and confident about their beliefs and customs," he said.

He added that the BJP offers a balance between development and respect for religious sentiment.

Rajasekharan also accused both the UDF and LDF of aligning with groups such as the SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami for "political gain".