In the bustling political landscape of the Kochi Corporation, the Ponnurunni East division is witnessing a riveting electoral contest this December. The United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Jain Gray, who previously held the division as a CPI(M) member two decades ago, is vying for a comeback on the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) ticket. Historically, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has maintained a stronghold here for over 40 years, adding to the stakes of this election.
Gray’s campaign is rooted in her past achievements, particularly her role in implementing a decentralized waste management system when she last held office. Reflecting on her hiatus from politics, which was primarily spent raising her child, she stated, “But the contacts I built all those years ago seem to be intact, as people keep asking me why I took such a long break during my household visits. The much-hailed decentralised waste management system of converting waste into manure was launched in the division during my tenure.” She noted that this initiative was recognized as Heal Ponnurunni, although it was later attributed to the LDF councillor during the last term.
Competing against Gray is Sunitha Dixon, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, who brings considerable experience from her previous roles as a three-time councillor in the neighboring Vyttila division. Having initially entered politics as a Congress candidate in 2010 and later aligning with the RSP, Dixon’s transition to the BJP has been laden with controversy. Her tenure has not been without conflict, as tensions arose within the RSP and UDF regarding her leadership in the works standing committee. Ultimately, faced with disqualification threats, she resigned in April 2024. Dixon argues that in local elections, it’s the individuals that matter, not party affiliations. “I haven’t had to explain my change of party to anyone. My work in the neighbouring Vyttila division is known to the people of Ponnurunni East,” she elaborated, emphasizing the pressing need to address infrastructural issues such as roads and drainage systems.
Adding another layer to the electoral mix is Beena Divakaran, the CPI(M) candidate, who, despite being a first-time candidate, is buoyed by her party’s historical dominance in the region. Actively engaged with the women’s forum and the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham, Divakaran believes the response from the community during her canvassing efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. Her campaign focuses on community development, proposing a skill development center, open gym facilities for women, playgrounds for youth, recreational spaces for the elderly, and solutions for waterlogging issues.
As the election draws close, the candidates are keenly aware of their community’s concerns and aspirations. With ongoing discussions about infrastructure, waste management, and local governance, the Ponnurunni East division is set for a compelling electoral showdown. With its rich history and diverse candidate pool, this election promises to be a significant event in the political tapestry of the Kochi Corporation.
The outcomes could pave the way for a shift in political dynamics, urging residents to reflect on their priorities as they head to the polls this December.
Keywords: Ponnurunni East, Kochi Corporation, UDF, LDF, BJP, elections 2025, Jain Gray, Sunitha Dixon, Beena Divakaran, community development, local governance, Kerala
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/debutant-faces-veterans-in-ponnurunni-east-poll-battle/article70361376.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2025-12-06 00:34:00
