Kottayam: Chandy Oommen of the Congress led United Democratic Front has won a remarkable victory in the Puthuppally assembly constituency, securing a margin of 52,907 votes in one of the most decisive outcomes in the state. Official figures show that he received 84,031 votes, while his nearest rival K M Radhakrishnan of the CPI M managed 31,124 votes. The BJP candidate Raveendranath Vakathanam remained a distant third with 11,544 votes.
The result once again confirms Puthuppally as a stronghold of the Congress and highlights the enduring connection between the people and the legacy of former chief minister Oommen Chandy. For many voters, this election was not just about choosing a representative but also about continuing a relationship built over decades.
What truly sets this victory apart is the way Chandy Oommen approached his campaign. In contrast to the usual high spending and highly visible election style seen in many parts of the country, he chose a simple and grounded method that focused on people rather than publicity.
There were no large posters, banners, or cutouts across the constituency. Loud campaign vehicles and extravagant shows were largely absent. Instead, Chandy Oommen spent his time meeting people directly, visiting homes, and listening to local concerns. His campaign relied on personal interaction and trust rather than money and display.
He was often seen travelling through the constituency on a bicycle, especially during the mornings, connecting with voters in a quiet and approachable manner. This style of campaigning created a strong personal bond and gave voters a sense of accessibility and sincerity.
Chandy Oommen also made it clear during the campaign that he did not want to spend large amounts of money on elections. He believed that resources should be used more responsibly and, wherever possible, directed toward helping people in need. His campaign was also noted for being environmentally conscious, avoiding materials that create waste and focusing on a cleaner approach.
Observers say this election has shown that a simple and people focused campaign can still achieve powerful results. At a time when elections are often associated with heavy spending, this victory offers a different message about how public trust can be built.
The outcome is also a significant moment for the United Democratic Front, giving it a strong boost in morale. For the Left Democratic Front, which had tried to challenge the Congress in this constituency, the result comes as a clear setback.
As celebrations begin in Puthuppally, attention will now turn to governance and development. Voters have placed high expectations on Chandy Oommen, hoping he will continue the tradition of accessibility and public service that defined his father’s career.
This victory marks not just a political success, but also a statement that sincerity, simplicity, and close connection with people can still shape the outcome of an election in a powerful way.