'Party did not show the same level of energetic campaigning as in previous elections'

ALAPPUZHA: U Prathibha, the LDF candidate in Kayamkulam, has openly expressed dissatisfaction over her defeat in the constituency. She alleged that some communal leaders in the constituency worked against her, leading to a significant loss of votes. She said she was surprised that the vote share dropped even in the party’s strongholds.

Prathibha also claimed that similar anti-party activities took place not only in Kayamkulam but across Kerala. She pointed out that the party failed to gain ground even in booths where it traditionally has strong support. The sharp decline in the majority in areas like Pathiyoor and Chettikulangara panchayats was unexpected, she said. She further criticised that the party did not show the same level of energetic campaigning as in previous elections.

The constituency, which she had retained twice, was won this time by UDF candidate M Liju with a majority of 15,572 votes. Prathibha, who had won by a margin of 6,298 votes in 2021, saw a major drop in her vote share in this election.