Jacob going for an athletic leap

PIRAVOM: Piravom town is literally simmering in bypoll heat. The town has  already donned a festive look with flags and festoons. Slogan-shouting and flag-totting party workers and campaign vehicles blaring parody songs of popular film music add up to the election fever. With a day left for the bypoll, it is no wonder that the LDF chose Piravom  Panchayat for its final lap campaigning on Wednesday.  The campaign began at Mulakulam Pallipady and ended at Piravom town. As for  Jacob, he is as energetic and enthusiastic as ever throughout the campaign. As the campaign vehicle struggles through the hilly terrains of the  panchayat, he is cool and unmoved. No surprise as no hill is insurmountable for this veteran athletics champion.All through the campaign, Jacob’s speech focused on two key issues - the   problems of the panchayat and why he is the man to solve them. No controversial issues in Kerala politics were mentioned. Jacob starts by telling them that he is thoroughly familiar with the problems of the panchayat. He says that the people know him as a someone who is a honest and sincere public servant.  According to him, though much work was done during his tenure, much more needs to be done. He adds that he is focused on solving the major problems like water shortage, of the constituency. Housing-related issues are another priority. Jacob winds up the meeting by   asking them to vote for him for the overall development of the panchayat and  assures them that he will never betray their trust.  With LDF leaving no stone unturned to ensure their candidate’s victory, the  campaign was accorded a warm welcome at all the junctions. The campaign stopped at 54 places in the panchayat and passed through Mulakulam, Kallumada, Kecherithazham, Namakuzhy, Pallikkavu, Thottabagham, Kombanal Kurishu before stopping at Kakkad. In the afternoon, the campaign covered areas like Elanjimattom, Pump House,  Mamalkavala, Chambalappady, Anthikkad, TS Kavala, Pulithanam and ended at Piravom Town. Senior LDF leaders took part in the meeting.