Kannur: Dharmadam in Kannur district, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is contesting, has emerged as one of the most keenly watched constituencies in Keralam. While the UDF has fielded V.P. Abdul Rasheed, widely seen as a relatively weak candidate, BJP state secretary K. Ranjith is in the fray as the NDA nominee. With this lineup, the contest in Dharmadam is increasingly being viewed as a direct fight between the NDA and the LDF. Key issues dominating public discourse in the constituency include developmental delays, allegations of corruption, and concerns related to Sabarmala gold theft.
Since its formation in 2011, Dharmadam has remained a stronghold of the LDF. Pinarayi Vijayan secured victories in both the previous assembly elections. The Dharmadam assembly segment comprises the panchayats of Ancharakandi, Chembilode, Kadambur, Muzhappilangad, Peralassery, Dharmadam, Pinarayi, and Vengad, all of which are currently governed by the LDF. However, the NDA holds three seats in the Dharmadam Grama Panchayat, indicating a limited but notable presence. Several local issues have gained prominence during the campaign. Fishermen in the region have expressed deep dissatisfaction over the state government’s inaction regarding the renovation of the Dharmadam Fish Landing Centre. Built over four decades ago, the facility supports the livelihoods of more than a thousand fishermen, yet repeated appeals for its modernisation have gone unaddressed.
Infrastructure and land-related concerns are also major points of contention. Dharmadam Grama Panchayat still lacks a public cemetery, causing inconvenience to residents. Additionally, ambiguity surrounding land acquisition for the proposed Koduvally, Ancharakandi Airport Road has left landowners in limbo, preventing them from buying or selling property. Environmental issues have also surfaced, with large stretches of paddy fields reportedly being encroached upon and damaged by forest growth. Further criticism has been directed at the lack of development in land acquired nearly three decades ago by a previous Left government for tourism purposes. Despite being taken from private individuals at a high cost, no significant development has taken place on this land.
Politically, the constituency is witnessing a shift. Earlier, opposition parties found it difficult to campaign freely in Dharmadam, but that situation appears to have changed. The BJP has been strengthening its base in areas such as Parapram and Pinarayi. A recent campaign visit by Union Minister Suresh Gopi drew large crowds, including many women, signalling growing support.
NDA candidate K. Ranjith’s campaign has gathered considerable momentum. In the 2011 assembly elections, NDA candidate C.K. Padmanabhan secured 14,623 votes. However, the NDA’s improved performance in the recent three-tier panchayat elections, where it garnered around 20,000 votes, has boosted Ranjith’s confidence.
