The election picture in the northern most Manjeswaram, widely regarded as ‘Saptha bhasha sangama bhoomi’ (confluence of seven languages), where sizeable linguistic minorities wield considerable sway, became clearer on Wednesday with the CPI(M) announcing its candidate’s list. The segment is well-poised to witness a fiery tri-cornered contest.
While the IUML has decided to re-nominate sitting MLA P.B. Abdul Razak, the BJP yet again named party State general secretary K. Surendran and the CPI(M) has chosen C.H. Kunhambu, a former MLA.
Mr. Razak garnering 49,817 votes defeated Mr. Surendran by a margin of 5,828 votes in the 2011 poll pushing Mr. Kunhambu, who polled 35,067 votes, to the third spot.
Even though the constituency with its sizeable Muslim support base helped the IUML maintain its winning streak, with a lone exception in 2006 poll, major political parties cannot afford to ignore the influential Kannada speaking linguistic minority dotted around the Karnataka border areas.
The three aspiring candidates by now have already identified themselves close with the cross-section of the linguistic minorities claiming that they are conversant in Tulu and Kannada and always tried to fulfil their aspirations.
