Ernakulam district came alive on Tuesday as major political parties in Kerala hosted vibrant, high-energy finale events known as ‘Kalasakkottu’ in the lead-up to the April 9 Assembly elections. Thousands of party workers and supporters swarmed various designated venues across the 14 Assembly constituencies, transforming the final public campaigning hours into a colorful spectacle of music, dance, and political enthusiasm.
In Kalamassery, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate P. Rajeeve spearheaded a lively rally at South Kalamassery, featuring a performance by popular rapper Vedan, who became the star attraction of the day. Drones displayed CPI(M) flags flying high above the crowd, complemented by life-size cutouts of Rajeeve. Prominent party figures, including CPI(M) State Secretariat member M. Swaraj and district secretary S. Sathish, rallied support through party songs and spirited announcements while delivering sharp political parodies targeting the opposing United Democratic Front (UDF).
The UDF’s grand finale, led by candidate V.E. Abdul Gafoor, attracted large crowds adorned in Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) colors. Veteran Congress leader B.A. Abdul Muthalib joined Gafoor, energizing supporters at the rally and reinforcing the UDF’s presence in the area. Also in South Kalamassery, supporters for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate M.P. Binu showcased their enthusiasm, marking a robust campaign finale.
In North Paravur, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, aiming for his sixth consecutive term, drew a significant crowd waving large flags and holding towering cutouts at Nambooriachan Aalthara. He interacted with devoted supporters, capturing selfies amid the lively atmosphere. LDF candidate E.T. Taison Master and NDA contender Valsala Prasannakumar concluded their own rallies at this location as well.
Thrikkakara witnessed UDF candidate Uma Thomas rallying supporters at NGO Quarters Junction in Kakkanad, where her event drew substantial participation. Thomas was joined by Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol, creating a unified front as they celebrated the campaign’s conclusion. Meanwhile, LDF candidate Pushpadas held a dynamic ‘Kalasakkottu’ at Collectorate Junction, Kakkanad, where jubilant supporters lifted her onto their shoulders. NDA’s Akhil Marar also wrapped up his campaign in Vyttila, with enthusiastic business leaders from BJP and Twenty20 showing their support.
All three major fronts converged at Statue Junction in Thripunithura, where UDF’s Deepak Joy, LDF’s K.N. Unnikrishnan, and NDA’s Anjali Nair showcased the intense competition poised for the elections, drawing hundreds of supporters in a festival-like atmosphere. Meanwhile, in Ernakulam constituency, UDF candidate T.J. Vinod made a memorable entrance to his ‘Kalasakkottu’ on horseback, igniting cheers from loyal supporters. The LDF’s Sabu George also ended his campaign at Kaloor to a rousing reception from party loyalists, while NDA candidate P.R. Sivasankar concluded his high-energy roadshow from Woodlands Junction to Madhava Pharmacy Junction.
Muvattupuzha experienced parallel events, with UDF’s Mathew Kuzhalnadan wrapping up his campaign at P.O. Junction, while LDF’s N. Arun gathered support at Kacherithazham. NDA candidate Sunny Kadoothazhe organized a roadshow from Velloorkkunnam to Nehru Park, captivating audiences with his energetic display.
Tragically, the fervor of the celebrations was marred by the sudden collapse of a Congress worker, Ali Valyathuparambu, 68, during the ‘Kalasakkottu’ in North Paravur. Despite immediate transportation to the Taluk Hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such energetic events.
The evolving political landscape in Kerala is only set to intensify as the election date approaches, with party dynamics and public responses reflecting a passionate electoral climate.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala-assembly/kerala-assembly-elections-2026-fronts-show-their-might-in-campaign-finale-in-kochi/article70835311.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2026-04-08 01:16:00
