The reservation of the mayor’s post for women in the Kochi Corporation has added another dimension to the election management strategies of political parties. All three major fronts are currently playing their cards close to their chest when it comes to mayoral candidates, only conceding that multiple competent contenders will be in the running.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has several seasoned aspirants for the post, making the selection a challenging task for its leadership. With most candidates enjoying strong support bases within the party, none are likely to give up without a fight. Perhaps anticipating this, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan will directly oversee the front’s election management in the Corporation.
District Congress leaders admitted that more than five experienced candidates could rightfully stake a claim to the post, depending on the electoral outcome. The party had a rather tumultuous relationship with its last woman mayor, Soumini Jain, whom a section of the party had sought to remove midway through her term. “There will be no repeat of that,” said a senior leader.
CPI(M) sources stated that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would project more than one potential mayoral candidate. “The mayor will be elected from among multiple experienced and educated women councillors. Prior experience as a councillor will be prioritised over introducing a fresh face,” they said.
A Corporation-level election committee comprising incumbent Mayor M. Anilkumar, party district secretary S. Sathish, and veteran leader and former mayor M. Dinesh Mani is representing the party in LDF discussions. Minister P. Rajeeve and State Committee member C.N. Mohanan will be in charge of the Corporation election.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to field competent and qualified women candidates but has opted not to project a specific mayoral nominee. The election to the Kochi Corporation is being managed by the party’s central leadership under the supervision of Union Minister of State George Kurian. “The National Democratic Front will contest all 76 divisions, and the first list is ready. It is likely to be approved when Mr. Kurian is expected here on Saturday. We will release the first list of candidates on the same day as the election notification,” said BJP sources.