Close fight on the cards in Kerala’s bellwether constituency — Ollur
The Hindu
Ollur constituency in Kerala showcases a tight political contest, reflecting the state's electoral mood and complex voter demographics.
One of the most intriguing contests in the upcoming Kerala Assembly election is expected in Ollur constituency in Thrissur district — a seat widely regarded as a bellwether of the State’s political mood.
Though there is no scientific basis to the claim, Ollur has built a reputation since 1982 for electing candidates from the front that eventually forms the government in the State.
In 1982, when the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by K. Karunakaran came to power, Ollur elected Congress candidate Raghavan Puzhakadavil. In 1987, when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by E.K. Nayanar formed the government, voters backed Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate A.M. Paraman.
The trend continued in subsequent elections as well. P.P. George (Congress) won in 1991, C.N. Jayadevan (CPI) in 1996, P.P. George again in 2001, Rajaji Mathew Thomas (CPI) in 2006 and M.P. Vincent (Congress) in 2011 — each victory aligning with the coalition that eventually formed the government in Kerala.
In 2016, CPI’s K. Rajan wrested the constituency from the Congress in 2016 and retained it in 2021. Mr. Rajan, who is at present Kerala’s Revenue Minister, is seeking re-election from Ollur.
The constituency’s unique social and geographical profile makes it politically complex. Located on the outskirts of Thrissur city, Ollur blends urban and rural characteristics. The constituency stretches from the industrial belt of Ollur town to the paddy fields and hilly terrain from Pattikkad to Peechi.
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