As LDF rally reaches Pala, old rivals trade blows

As Pala braces for yet another electoral showdown between Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani and sitting legislator Mani C. Kappan, the simmering rivalry burst into the open on Monday (February 9, 2026) as the Central Zone rally of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) reached the constituency.

The episode began o unfold when Mr. Mani, who captains the rally, used the platform to mount a direct assault on the incumbent. By invoking unfinished projects such as the River View Road and highlighting alleged absenteeism from review meetings, he also highlighted the developmental legacy of Pala under the late K.M. Mani, the KC(M) patriarch.

“I would like to know whether the sitting legislator has any noteworthy project to his credit in the last five years. How many review meetings did Mr. Kappan attend? Ninety per cent of the River View Road project was completed during K.M. Mani’s tenure. What sense does it make to claim that Jose K. Mani obstructed the completion of the remaining 10%? The MLA failed to discharge his responsibilities and is now resorting to a campaign of falsehoods,” Mr. Mani said.

Kappan hits back

Responding sharply, Mr. Kappan said that the people of Pala were well aware of the facts and that Mr. Mani’s remarks reflected an anticipation of defeat. He also alleged that Mr. Mani had approached UDF leaders seeking entry into the front and challenged him to prove otherwise. Mr. Kappan further claimed that land acquisition for the approach road to the Kalariyammakkal bridge had been stalled due to Mr. Mani’s interference and pointed out that the London Bridge in Pala town, inaugurated by the Chief Minister, had still not been opened to the public.

According to Mr. Kappan, the much-touted model of development during K.M. Mani’s tenure was confined to just two wards in Pala. He reiterated his allegation that the KC(M) chairman had consistently stood in the way of development initiatives in the constituency. “These tactics will not work before the people of Pala. Mr. Mani should not harbour dreams of victory. The people of Pala are closely watching to see whether he will even contest,” he said. On the occasion, Mr. Kappan also refuted allegations that he had opposed the proposal to set up a cancer centre in Pala.

The exchange assumes significance as Pala, which has long been a focal point of political churn in Kerala, is already heating up ahead of a possible high-stakes contest between the two. While both Mr. Mani and Mr. Kappan have begun groundwork in the constituency, the potential entry of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State vice-president Shaun George could turn the segment into a fierce triangular fight.