Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Along the Vypeen shore, candidates march ahead promising end to water woes

Tony Chammany, the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in Vypeen, trod a different campaign path on Saturday (April 4, 2026), with a coastal foot march. Titled ‘Theeraraksha Yatra’, the march stretched from Elamkunnapuzha to Edavanakkad, covering fisherfolk settlements and highlighting what the UDF called “20 years of neglect” of coastal communities.

Vypeen has been an LDF stronghold for 15 years since its formation in 2011, and even earlier as Njarackal, making it a tough terrain for the UDF. The Congress leader’s campaign projected confidence though.

Addressing residents at the Veliyathamparambu beach near Nayarambalam, the former Kochi Mayor criticised the alleged “splurge” by the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, aiming to connect with struggling fishing communities. “I don’t have any magic wand to resolve all your problems, but I have the will power,” he said.

The apparent disinterest a group of fishermen, busy segregating their morning catch, maintained throughout the speech should have worried any candidate. However, their response as Mr. Chammany reached out to them looked assuring. They shared with him their everyday concerns and raised the demand for a mini-harbour. Responding, Mr. Chammany said, “I will keep it in mind… If you give me an opportunity, I will take it up and listen to you, because your lived experience is important.”

LDF’s  M.B. Shiny during campaign at Njarackal.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

At Njarackal, Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M.B. Shiny’s campaign carried a personal touch. Having completed her road tour, she focused on meeting those she had missed earlier. Amid her schedule, she visited the taluk hospital, Njarackal, to see a relative of a party worker active in her campaign.

On the hospital premises, she appeared at ease, engaging in familiar conversations, including with women running a small coffee shop. An autorickshaw driver joined in, casually asking about the campaign’s progress.

A lawyer known for her role in protest movements, Ms. Shiny entered the fray after the CPI(M) shifted incumbent MLA K.N. Unnikrishnan to Thripunithura. She had earlier been elected to the Ernakulam district panchayat from the Cherai division in 2020.

“Mr. Unnikrishnan had implemented extensive development works in Vypeen. He was shifted to Thripunithura as the party wanted a senior leader of his stature to wrest the seat from UDF. The voters here know that well,” she said.

Highlighting local issues, she said potable water shortage remains a major concern. “I have experienced it badly during my childhood. The water scarcity is an issue that haunts me,” she said, recalling an accident in which a woman was run over by a tanker lorry during a rush to collect water.

She added that addressing tidal flooding and promoting tourism would also be her priorities if elected.

NDA’s Anitha Thomas at Njarackal.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

Package for Vypeen

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Anitha Thomas campaigned in and around Nayarambalam on Saturday as her vehicular tour neared completion. She received a warm welcome at Nedungad from NDA supporters, including BJP, BDJS and Twenty20 workers. A dancer and actor, Ms. Thomas is among the celebrity candidates fielded by Twenty20 in its debut alliance with the BJP.

Interacting with voters, she highlighted development, potable water scarcity and sea incursion, blaming successive governments. “I can sense a longing for change. If elected, I will focus on a comprehensive package for the constituency in consultation with stakeholders and experts,” she said.