The electoral scenario in Kizhakkambalam and nearby areas looked different from the rest of Ernakulam district on Tuesday.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) are taking on Kitex Group-backed Twenty20 in the panchayat.
A group of people who were standing outside the Bethlehem Dayara High School at Njarackal, where polling was on, identified themselves as “anti-Twenty20”. They said there were supporters of the Congress and the CPI(M) among them. They supported a common Independent candidate.
Of the 21 wards in Kizhakkambalam, the CPI(M) is contesting only in one, while the Congress has candidates in four wards. The BJP also has candidates only in four wards. A Congress supporter, who was at a campaign booth, hoped that the party would emerge strong in Kizhakkambalam.
The enthusiasm of Twenty20 activists was visible in all the four panchayats that the party is in power, including Kunnathunad, Mazhuvannoor, and Aikkaranadu. So was in neighbouring Vengola, where the party made significant strides last time.
