Rajeev Chandrasekhar launches NDA’s Kerala local body poll campaign in Thrissur

Anthoor, a place that found frequent mention in Theyyam songs once, is now at the centre of an intense political contest. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has held sway over the municipality since it was carved out of Taliparamba in 2015, is facing renewed claims of political suppression from rival fronts ahead of the local body elections.

Anthoor voted overwhelmingly for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]-led front in both previous municipal elections, electing LDF candidates in all the 28 wards in 2015 and 2020. Fourteen councillors were elected unopposed in 2015, though the number dropped to six in the last election. Rival parties see a growing desire for change among voters even as they accuse the CPI(M) of obstructing their political activity.

“The CPI(M) does not allow other parties to work freely. Our supporters face constant threats,” said Congress Mayyil mandalam president Prajosh Poyyil. He said it took the party 45 years to open a office which began functioning recently. “We operated out of schoolrooms and borrowed spaces. We still don’t have our own building but we are hopeful of securing land soon,” he added.