With the CPI(M) nominating Rajya Sabha MP Elamaram Kareem as the candidate for the Kozhikode Lok Sabha seat, M.K. Raghavan of the Congress, who has held the constituency for three successive terms, may have a bumpy ride at the hustings.
This time, the battle of ballots is going to test their popularity and the effectiveness of their political manoeuvring. Both had a tag as outsiders once, but they have made Kozhikode their home after foraying into politics or trade union activities, as in the case of Mr. Kareem.
When Mr. Raghavan first contested from Kozhikode in 2009, he was a “parachute candidate” who had no hold on the ground and had to introduce himself to the voters literally. Disgruntlement also brewed in the Congress against his candidature. He barely scraped past his opponent, Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, to Parliament.
