Kerala polls: CPI(M) leader K.K. Shailaja confident of winning from Peravoor, considered a Congress bastion
Communist Party of India (Marxist) senior leader and Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate KK Shailaja is confident of wresting the Peravoor assembly segment in Kerala from the Congress, banking on a mix of development promises, past administrative experience and what he calls “growing dissatisfaction” with the lack of major initiatives in the constituency in the last 15 years.
Ms. Shailaja, who represented Peravoor in 2006, said: Hindu He said the constituency in Kannur district, traditionally considered a Congress stronghold, has gone through political changes post delimitation even though UDF candidate and KPCC chief Sunny Joseph retained the seat in the last three elections.
“UDF may have gained the upper hand after delimitation, but its victories were achieved by narrow margins – once by around 6,000 votes and on other occasions by 3,400 votes or less. This shows that the political mood was not one-sided,” he added.
‘The current climate is in favor of LDF’
He partly attributed the previous defeats to organizational weakness in certain sections and the inability to fully mobilize committed votes, but argued that the current political climate was in favor of the LDF. He said despite UDF’s three consecutive terms, the constituency in north Kerala has not seen any major improvement, leading to increased resentment.
CPI(M) Central Committee member Ms. Shailaja opposed the UDF’s development narrative, especially regarding infrastructure projects. He said the groundworks of the Hill Highway project in the area were undertaken during his earlier tenure as MLA, including the most difficult phase of alignment and land acquisition, after extensive consultations with local residents.
“The section between Ulikal and Vallithode was completed then. Later, the project stalled under UDF and only after LDF came to power, it was included under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) project and completed,” said the former State Health Minister. He denied allegations that the delays were due to LDF interference, maintaining that the harmonization had been completed earlier.
Responding to allegations regarding development of revenue tower and administrative infrastructure, he said that the demand for a new civil station was first raised during his tenure and its subsequent realization was part of a broader government policy rather than an individual achievement.
Tourism potential is not utilized
Highlighting the tourism potential of Peravoor, Ms. Shailaja said that during her earlier tenure, a mega tourism project, including a “living museum”, was conceptualized along the banks of the Pazhassi basin. But it was not followed up by the next representative. He highlighted ongoing developments such as the Eco-Planet project in the current constituency Mattannur, where the first phase has been completed.
He also outlined pilgrimage and eco-tourism plans. He said a comprehensive master plan would be implemented in consultation with the Devaswom Board of Directors to improve facilities for pilgrims at the Kottiyoor temple, often referred to as Dakshina Kashi. He also identified Kurishumala as an area with potential for pilgrimage tourism, emphasizing the need for coordinated planning among stakeholders.
Highlighting the sports heritage of Peravoor, especially being the hometown of former volleyball player Jimmy George, Ms. Shailaja said there was an urgent need for a modern sports complex. He recalled that he had allocated funds to improve local playgrounds during his previous tenure and said a full-fledged facility would help nurture talents, especially among tribal youth in areas like Aralam.
Drawing on his experience as MLA of Mattannur, he stated that KIIFB funds were utilized to build indoor stadium, swimming pool and volleyball courts. He said that if elected, a similar comprehensive sports infrastructure would be developed in Peravoor.
While he was Minister of Health
Referring to her tenure as Minister of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic and Nipah epidemics, Ms. Shailaja said crises were turned into public service opportunities. “The work done during these difficult times has been recognized worldwide, but some have viewed it through a political lens,” he said.
On his defeat from Vadakara seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he said parliamentary contests should not be compared with Assembly elections. “At that time, there was a perception of a possible change of government at the Centre. [election] different. “People will consider governance and local development at the State level,” he said, adding that LDF’s return to power in 2021 reflected public approval to address crises and governance, and hoped a similar mandate would be given now.
Addressing the ongoing human-animal conflict, Ms. Shailaja said initial steps such as proposing elephant-proof walls in Aralam were taken during her tenure and later expanded measures such as fencing and bio-fencing under the LDF government.
“This is not a problem limited to a single region; it is a global problem caused by ecological changes and the spread of humanity,” he said, emphasizing that the implementation of scientific solutions and the protection of human life remains a priority.
He also highlighted the agricultural and medicinal plant cultivation potential of Aralam Farm and surrounding areas and suggested integration with research and export initiatives associated with the International Ayurvedic Research Institute.
It was published – 26 March 2026 16:46 IST
