Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Claims, counter-claims of development rule election campaign in Muvattupuzha

It was around 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday when Illikkunnu, a small junction at the end of a largely isolated narrow road, slipped into election mode. The campaign cavalcade of Mathew Kuzhalnadan, the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in the Muvattupuzha Assembly constituency, entered the rustic setting, triggering a brief political festivity.

Clad in a white dhothi and shirt, Mr. Kuzhalnadan presented himself as a village boy before the supporters who had gathered to receive him, in sharp contrast to the stylish, suave persona he projects on social media. “I used to ride my bicycle around here when I came to my mother’s house nearby,” he said, as garlands, shawls and even a bunch of bananas were handed to him.

Seeking re-election in Muvattupuzha, which he had wrested from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in 2021, Mr. Kuzhalnadan said he was confident and proud to face the electorate again. “We have been able to get sanction for development works worth ₹1,298 crore in the constituency, but a lot remains to be done,” he said, seeking a mandate to accelerate development “when the UDF comes to power after the election.”

The Illikkunnu stop and neighbouring areas formed part of his campaign tour of the Palakuzha block. He was accompanied by Congress leader Ullas Thomas, chairperson of his campaign committee. The trail had its emotional moments as well. An elderly woman blessed the candidate, saying, “How can I not welcome him when he comes here.” A young, frail-looking woman approached him with a simple request — a pathway to her home — which he promised to look into.

LDF candidate in Muvattupuzha N. Arun during his election campaign in the constituency on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

Earlier in the day, Pulinchodu junction in Muvattupuzha town witnessed a contrasting, high-energy launch of the LDF campaign. Supporters of Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate N. Arun, the party’s Ernakulam district secretary, arrived well before his scheduled time, many wearing T-shirts bearing his photograph. A group of young persons dancing to popular folk songs added colour and vigour to the quick corner meeting.

Mr. Arun focussed on meeting as many voters as possible, underlining his attempt to build a personal rapport. “All I want to ensure you is that you will never have to regret electing a ‘corrupt’ MLA if you vote for me,” he said. Stressing the LDF’s development plank, he listed priorities such as strengthening Muvattupuzha’s agrarian economy, tapping its tourism potential and exploring the possibility of a cyber city to attract the IT sector.

NDA candidate in Muvattupuzha Sunny Kadoothazhe during his election campaign in the constituency on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

Meanwhile, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Sunny Kaduthazhe of Twenty20 spent the pre-noon hours meeting key voter groups and influential figures. He visited the Muvattupuzha court complex and interacted with lawyers at the Bar Association office.

Blaming successive LDF and UDF governments and MLAs for neglecting comprehensive development of the constituency, Mr. Kaduthazhe outlined an ambitious agenda. “Three bypasses are a necessity to end the traffic woes of the town,” he said, also proposing a Union government-aided factory to produce value-added pineapple products and ensure a minimum price of ₹40 per kg. Reviving the Rubber Marketing Society, setting up a Kizhakkambalam-model food security market and completing a potable water project at Arakuzha were among his promises.

Exuding confidence, he said the combined strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Twenty20, along with his outreach among farmers, would ensure victory. Mr. Kaduthazhe was also instrumental in organising a farmers’ protest against the controversial amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act.