NEYYATTINKARA: As the political temperature rises ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, the Congress party is reportedly prepping a strategic masterstroke for the Neyyattinkara constituency. Seeking to dismantle a decade-long Left Democratic Front (LDF) hegemony, the party is seriously considering fielding the highly popular Adv. C.R. Pranakumar.
A Strategic Choice: Experience vs. New Guard
The Congress high command and KPCC are currently weighing two prominent names: former minister and current Thiruvananthapuram DCC President N. Sakthan, and District Panchayat member Adv. C.R. Pranakumar.
While Sakthan remains a heavyweight with deep roots in the constituency, the party’s rumored strict adherence to a “75-year age cap” for candidates could tilt the scales in favor of Pranakumar.
The Legacy of the ‘Kerala Kamaraj’
Pranakumar is no stranger to political prestige. He is the son of Chellakkanna Nadar, a freedom fighter and close confidant of the legendary former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, K. Kamaraj.
His nickname, “Kerala Kamaraj,” stems from a decades-long family bond with the Kamaraj family and a personal lifestyle defined by simplicity and accessibility. In an era where representatives are often seen as unreachable, Pranakumar’s “leader next door” persona has become his greatest political asset.
The Mariyapuram Miracle
Pranakumar’s candidacy is backed by a formidable track record. In the local body elections, he achieved what many thought impossible: capturing the Mariyapuram division—a staunch CPM stronghold—with a staggering margin of over 7,500 votes. Political analysts attribute this landslide victory to his cross-party appeal and personal charisma.
A Campaign Built on Compassion
Beyond traditional politics, Pranakumar has garnered widespread acclaim for his social welfare initiatives. Most notable is the ‘Ashwas’ scheme, a program he launched to provide dialysis support for kidney patients in the Mariyapuram division.
“He doesn’t treat politics as a job. Even on Sundays, he is on the ground, personally ensuring that medical aid reaches the most vulnerable,” says a local supporter.
The Battle Ahead
While the LDF maintains a solid organizational base in Neyyattinkara, the entry of a candidate who transcends caste and religious barriers could turn the contest into a nail-biter. If the Congress prioritizes “winnability” over internal group equations, the “Kerala Kamaraj” might just be the man to lead the UDF back to power in this crucial southern seat.
