Published Mar 24, 2026 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 24, 2026 | 8:00 AM
St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally
Synopsis: Kottayam’s nine constituencies reflect nine distinct political shades within a compact geography: Vaikom (SC reserved), Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Puthuppally, Changanassery, Pala, Kaduthuruthy, Kanjirappally, and Poonjar, each shaped by its own social equations, leadership dynamics, and political history.
From PT Chacko to Oommen Chandy, Kottayam district in central Kerala has long been one of the most politically significant regions in the state. It is the heartland of the Kerala Congress, founded in 1964, with a strong base among Syrian Christian and Nair communities in central Kerala.
The region—particularly Pala and its surrounding areas remains crucial to the various Kerala Congress factions, including those led by Mani and Joseph, making local politics both layered and intensely competitive.
Kottayam’s nine constituencies reflect nine distinct political shades within a compact geography: Vaikom (SC Reserved), Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Puthuppally, Changanassery, Pala, Kaduthuruthy, Kanjirappally, and Poonjar, each shaped by its own social equations, leadership dynamics, and political history.
With the Assembly elections approaching, these constituencies are already witnessing intense political churn. South First visited some of the most politically active constituencies in Kottayam to understand the public mood and the key issues shaping voter sentiment.
The road to St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally is not so smooth. But most Congress and Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction candidates in Kerala—including Apu John Joseph, Mons Joseph, Bindu Krishna and Mani C Kappan have begun their campaigns after offering prayers at Oommen Chandy’s tomb at this church.
This is the first Assembly election without Congress veteran Oommen Chandy. His son, Chandy Oommen, is seeking to retain the constituency. But when South First visited the constituency, no flex boards or posters of Chandy Oommen were seen.
Chandy Oommen explained the absence of publicity materials.
”I will visit every house in the constituency. The amount saved from flex and banners will be used to construct homes for the poor. Fifty homes have already been completed, and 100 more will be built. Also, everyone has digital access now, so digital campaigning is better,” he said.
Jobin Varghese, a voter from Puthuppally, told South First, ”We cannot forget Oommen Chandy sir and his contributions. Chandy Oommen is following the same path. He has developed a personal rapport with every voter here, beyond politics. He will be our MLA, and we hope he will be in the upcoming Cabinet.”
Oommen Chandy’s tomb
Meanwhile, Deepak T, a 20-year-old voter, said, ”For half a century, Oommen Chandy was our MLA. Now his son. Do you see the roads here? Do you see how poor the development is? Voters remained loyal to Congress and Oommen Chandy, but we didn’t get anything in return — not even proper streetlights.”
”My vote is for CPI(M)’s KM Radhakrishnan. Let’s give them a chance. What’s wrong with that? It is time to end Oommen Chandy’s sentiment-driven politics” he added.
In the 5 September 2023 bypoll following Oommen Chandy’s death, Chandy Oommen secured 78,098 votes, defeating Jaick C. Thomas, who polled 41,644.
Sky Walk, Kottayam
At the heart of Kottayam town stands the statue of PT Chacko — a towering reminder of a leader whose resignation led to the birth of Kerala Congress and its many factions. For years now, he has stood beneath a failed piece of infrastructure- the rusted frame of a proposed skywalk at Seematti Roundabout, once meant to ease traffic but now reduced to an eyesore and meme.
With elections around the corner, sitting MLA and Congress veteran Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has promised to complete the long-pending project within six months if the UDF returns to power. But rivals, CPI(M)’s Adv. K Anilkumar and BDJS candidate P Anilkumar have dismissed it as a last-minute pitch.
UDF and LDF are actively campaigning in the rural belts of the Kottayam constituency
On the ground, however, the skywalk is hardly the concern of the voters.
”It’s not an immediate need. Roads in Kodimatha are good, and the Manorama bypass is well-maintained. Thiruvanchoor is a people’s leader with strong ground connections. If the UDF comes to power, development will speed up” said daily wage worker Aniyappan TK.
Sunitha Rajaneesh, a homemaker, told South First that, ”Kottayam district hospital now has all the medicines and treatment facilities. The LDF government brought that change. We depend on public services, and this government should continue for people’s welfare.”
In the constituency, Christian, Nair and Ezhava votes remain crucial along with Muslim voters in some rural pockets. Several voters also pointed out the similarity in names of the NDA and LDF candidates, while some criticised the BJP for allotting the seat to BDJS.
In 2021, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan secured 65,401 votes, defeating Adv. K. Anilkumar (46,658), while BJP’s Minerva Mohan polled 18,743.
The BJP is campaigning aggressively in Kanjirappally, where a Union Minister is contesting against KCM’s Dr N. Jayaraj.
Three constituencies in Kottayam district —Pala, Poonjar and Kanjirappally — are heading for intense three-cornered contests, with the results likely to shape not just electoral outcomes but also the future of key leaders and parties in Kerala politics.
The BJP’s decision to field high-profile candidates, including a Union Minister, has brought unusual attention to a region long dominated by UDF-LDF bipolar contests. In a district with a strong Christian presence, particularly from the Syro-Malabar community, the party has also strategically fielded candidates from the same community across these seats.
Pala has once again emerged as the focal point of political contestation.
Kerala Congress (M) (KCM) chairman Jose K Mani is attempting to reclaim the constituency after his defeat in 2021, while sitting MLA Mani C Kappan is fighting to retain his seat. BJP’s Shone George, son of PC George, has added a new dimension to the contest, making it a triangular fight and targeting Christian voters.
In Poonjar, veteran leader PC George is contesting again, seeking to reaffirm his relevance.
Sitting MLA Sebastian Kulathunkal from KCM is aiming to hold the seat for the LDF, while the UDF has fielded MJ Sebastian. In Kanjirappally, the contest has intensified with Union Minister George Kurian entering the fray as the BJP candidate. KCM’s N Jayaraj, who has represented the constituency since 2011, is banking on his development record, while UDF candidate Rony K Baby is mounting a challenge.
Sukumaran, Krishnankutty and Ramakrishnan
Beyond candidates and campaigns, voter sentiment reflects a deeper churn in the region — particularly over KCM’s shift from the UDF to the LDF.
Sukumaran, Krishnankutty and Ramakrishnan — a trio of friends who regularly engage in political discussions near a chapel told South First that the KCM continues to enjoy strong support in the region. However, they pointed out that Jose K Mani does not command the same personal connection that his late father KM Mani, once had.
”His political future will be decided in this election,” they said, even as they agreed with his decision to remain aligned with the LDF.
In Kanjirappally, Jolly V, a voter from Chambakkara, told South First that the BJP’s strategy may not yield results. ”A Union Minister contesting in an Assembly election shows the BJP is trying to split votes. But our MLA Jayaraj has brought development here, so BJP’s chances are limited” he said.
In Poonjar, Iqbal Salam reflected a shift in perception about PC George. ”He was once our favourite leader, and we overlooked his aggressive style. But when it turned into communal remarks, it became difficult to accept. His alliance with the BJP has affected his political future” he told South First.
As campaigning gathers pace, Pala, Poonjar and Kanjirappally together form a decisive political belt.
The verdict here could determine not just who wins these seats but also the future of leaders like Jose K Mani, Mani C Kappan and PC George.
Laila Abraham
Changanassery Assembly constituency is witnessing a contest between rival Kerala Congress factions, with the KCM and Kerala Congress (Joseph) locking horns. Sitting MLA Adv. Job Michael is in the fray for the KCM, while Vinu Job represents the KCJ. The BJP has fielded B. Radhakrishna Menon as its candidate.
In the 2021 Assembly election, Adv. Job Michael of the KCM secured 52,365 votes, defeating VJ Laly of the KCJ, who polled 46,306 votes, with a margin of 6,059 votes.
The constituency, which houses the NSS headquarters, has both the LDF and UDF fielding Christian candidates, reflecting its demographic profile.
Changanassery also shares a political legacy similar to Puthuppally.
Veteran leader CF Thomas, a senior KCM leader, represented the constituency for over four decades—from 1980 until his death in September 2020 and was elected nine consecutive times, making him one of the longest-serving legislators in the state.
Voters, however, appear divided.
Arun C Anilkumar, a resident of Changanassery, told South First that allegations of a ”payment seat” involving the UDF have left many confused.
Meanwhile, Laila Abraham, who runs a petty shop in the constituency, expressed satisfaction with the LDF government.
”I am getting ₹2,000 regularly as a widow pension” she said, adding that her only complaint is the delay in getting a licence for an electricity connection from the panchayat, even after 10 years. ”I raised this issue when candidates came seeking votes. I hope it will be resolved” she said.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
