However, this hilly area, which has experienced human-animal conflicts, poses challenges for the CPI(M), the region’s leading political party.
With the strategic inclusion of former health minister KK Shailaja, a prominent figure in Kerala’s Left politics, the party aims to forge a stronger connection with voters in this hilly terrain.
Some political analysts interpret her candidacy against current MLA and KPCC president Sunny Joseph in this Congress-stronghold as a strategic maneuver by internal rivals within the CPI(M) to marginalize her.
Shailaja, who has successfully represented the fortified Mattannur seat twice, including a record win in the 2021 Assembly elections, dismisses such notions.
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She asserts that the party has chosen her for the Peravoor constituency to reclaim it from the UDF, which has seen Joseph holding the seat for three consecutive terms.
Regarded as one of the most efficient ministers in the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, Shailaja maintains strong grassroots connections within the party in Kerala.
“The CPI(M) does not select candidates solely for easy wins,” she stated in an interview with PTI Videos.
“Candidates are also chosen to reclaim constituencies the party has previously lost,” asserted the CPI(M) Central Committee member.
Her commitment and accomplishments as the state health minister—particularly highlighted during the initial Nipah outbreak and the Covid pandemic—have garnered her international recognition. Nonetheless, she was not part of the subsequent Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet, continuing her role as an MLA from Mattannur.
“I won from this constituency in 2006 with a significant margin. Thus, I believe it is achievable,” Shailaja remarked while seated at the CPI(M) area committee office in Kottiyoor.
Peravoor is home to a substantial Christian community, primarily consisting of migrant farmers from the Travancore region who have settled in the area over many years.
“I am a native of Peravoor, where I began my political journey. I am confident that this time, the people will support me, ensuring a third term for the Pinarayi government,” she added, noting that Joseph’s inadequate performance as MLA may work to her advantage.
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“It’s going to be a close contest,” she admitted.
Joseph remains optimistic about achieving a fourth consecutive victory.
“This election is a response to the failed governance of the Vijayan-led government, and I believe the people of Peravoor stand with me,” the Congress leader claimed.
As KPCC president overseeing the Congress campaign, Joseph has found it challenging to spend ample time in the constituency due to his frequent travels.
“I am present in the constituency as their MLA, and the people recognize my role as KPCC president,” Joseph stated.
He is undeterred by his opponent’s prominence, having previously defeated Shailaja in the 2011 elections.
However, he may be concerned about the dramatic decline in his victory margin in 2021, where he narrowly won against CPI(M)’s Sakeer Hussain by just over 3,000 votes, compared to a margin of over 7,000 votes in 2016.
Shailaja lost to Joseph in the 2011 elections by a slim margin of around 2,700 votes and is determined to turn the tide in 2026.
The BJP-led NDA has nominated Paily Vathiattu, the state general secretary of BDJS, a political party founded by Thushar Vellapally, the son of SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan.
Vathiattu, who formerly aligned with Congress, has served as a local self-government representative in Peravoor and believes he can outpace both his challengers.
“I know every nook and corner of the constituency, having worked here throughout my career, both professionally and politically. I am well aware of every issue the constituency faces,” Vathiattu expressed to PTI.
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He is undaunted by the status of his opponents.
“With the BJP’s support and the backing of Narendra Modi, I am confident in my ability to bring development to each panchayat in Peravoor, earning the people’s trust,” he said.
Human-animal conflict stands out as a significant challenge in this hilly constituency.
As the majority of residents are farmers, they often confront wild animals that damage their crops. Areas like Aralam Farm have unfortunately seen loss of life due to elephant attacks.
Vathiattu argued that the current government and the MLA have fallen short in their efforts to assist these farmers.
As Peravoor approaches the polls on April 9, a pressing question persists: can Shailaja penetrate the Congress stronghold, or will Joseph maintain his seat for a fourth term?
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