Young candidates infuse new energy into poll campaign

Young people and students are injecting much-needed enthusiasm into the region’s electoral politics.

When 21-year-old Mohammed Rafi learned that his best friend Krishna Ramachandran would contest the local elections, he immediately congratulated him and wished him success. Ms Krishna is contesting as an LDF candidate, while Mr Rafi is an ardent UDF supporter. Despite their different political ideologies, their friendship remains unaffected.

The very next day after Ms. Krishna’s candidacy was announced, Mr. Rafi received an even bigger surprise when he was selected as the UDF candidate from his constituency.

LDF’s Krishna Ramachandran is campaigning in ward 10 of Aluva municipality | Photo Credit: special editing

“I was very happy. Even though we had no idea about it, I was not surprised because he was always active in politics and did a lot,” said Ms. Krishna, a final year student who is seeking a popular post in ward 10 of Aluva municipality.

“My mother was a councilor in the previous term and I used to accompany her to work sometimes. So this does not seem new to me. When I meet the residents here, they have a lot of complaints and all I want to do is help them,” says the 21-year-old, a final year student of Bachelor of Economics from Sree Sankara Vidhyapeetom College, who is contesting from the general ward.

Political parties largely field young candidates in local body elections; Young candidates aged 21 or college students compete against experienced politicians.

Mr. Rafi graduated from college just a few months ago. Although he was active in university politics, he never expected to participate in elections. “People are extremely supportive when I meet them. There is a serious drinking water crisis in the area. What they want is someone who will listen to their grievances and work to take care of them,” says Mr Rafi, who is contesting from ward 13 of Edathala grama panchayat.

Even though Mr. Rafi and Ms. Krishna come from families with a political background, Mebin Jose, a third-year Bachelor of Physics student at Sree Sankara College in Kalady, had to convince his parents before stepping into the world of politics.

Mr. Jose, who is currently competing in the First League of Koovappady Block Panchayat, says things are calmer at home. “My parents were always against me getting involved in politics. But even at a young age, I tried to be financially independent, working odd jobs, so I had a say. Our political ideologies did not match, but when my parents came to know that I was contesting, they were supportive,” says Mr. Jose, the LDF candidate.

“People have been very supportive. My lectures will end in a few months, so there will be no problems. I believe the biggest responsibility as a councilor is to ensure that all welfare measures and projects reach the people. This can have a huge impact and improve their lives,” says the 22-year-old actor.

UDF’s Charles Rayon Avarev meets residents of ward 14 in Kadamakkudy grama panchayat. | Photo Credit: special editing

Charles Rayon Avarev may not have been an accidental politician, but he entered politics at the age of six and has remained so ever since. “My neighbor was contesting elections then. I was only six years old, but I was still campaigning and pasting posters. When I started college, my parents told me to stay away from politics and said it could be dangerous,” the 21-year-old from Kadamakkudy recalls. Rayon is now the UDF candidate from ward 14 of Kadamakkudy grama panchayat.

“I have always been interested in working for the people. There is a lot one can do as a councillor, and I plan to make a significant impact in my own neighbourhood,” says Mr Rayon.