Mankada is likely to witness one of the most closely fought contests in the upcoming assembly polls as rivals United Democratic Front (UDF) and Left Democratic Front (LDF) have fielded high-profile candidates in the predominantly Muslim constituency.Public Works Minister M. K. Muneer of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), who is the son of former chief minister C.H. Mohammed Koya, is facing sitting LDF legislator Manjalamkuzhi Ali, a noted producer in the Malayalam film industry.
Ali created history in the May 2001 assembly polls when he clinched victory by defeating IUML heavyweight K.P.A. Majeed by 3,058 votes, ending a 36-year domination over Mankada constituency by the League.
But in 1965 the assembly could not be convened due to political reasons and the consequent polls in 1967 saw the League candidate C.H. Mohammed Koya comfortably through. This time, the League expects a similar performance from Muneer.
Speaking to IANS, Ali claims that he is not bothered by the political lineage of his opponent, as he is confident of victory on the strength of development works he undertook for his constituency.
" In these five years I have done development works to the tune of Rs. 60 crore (Rs.600 million) including major drinking water projects, electrification of 3,900 houses, bridges and much more," said Ali.
On the contrary, Muneer is banking upon the popularity of his father apart from his achievements as the state's public works minister.
"There are people here who were with my father when he was alive and it is certainly a major boost for me. Moreover a number of roads and bridges have come up here after I became public works minister," said Muneer.
Mankada constituency goes to the polls on April 29, and it is the fourth largest constituency among 140 in terms of electorate.
(IANS)
