The recent summer showers might have helped Pathanamthitta restore a semblance of its usual tranquillity amidst a searing summer. But the mercury level on its ground has caught up with the election heat elsewhere, thanks to an intense fight that the seat is witnessing this time.
A plethora of issues, ranging from the relentless onslaught of wildlife to pressing matters of development, land titles, and agricultural woes, swirl within the region’s political arena long before the official announcement of elections. At the same time, this also happens to be a battle where pressure groups other than the political parties do have their roles to play.
The United Democratic Front (UDF), which has long held an upper hand over the region, is taking no chances and has reposed its faith once again in Anto Antony — the Congress veteran who has represented the seat for three consecutive terms since 2009. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has been on an ascent in the region since 2016 and currently holds all seven assembly segments in the constituency, has brought in the CPI(M) central committee member T.M. Thomas Isaac to seize the coveted victory.
