Coastal politics heat up in India’s ‘unique’ southern tip

Situated at the very tip of India, Kanyakumari is packed with people and surrounded by the sea to the south and west, and hills to the north and east. It’s unique in Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha elections because most folks here are Christians, including Nadars who are either Catholic or Protestant. The fishermen are mostly Catholic or Muslim. The Hindu populace encompasses various communities such as Nadars, Nairs, Pillais, Dalits, and a small tribal group. But there’s something really interesting about this place, and let’s discover what it is.
One of these days, the coastal stretch of Kanyakumari was buzzing with anticipation as fishermen prepared to welcome Congress candidate Vijayakumar, affectionately known as Vijay Vasanth. Despite Vijay’s delayed arrival, the crowd patiently waited for him, seeking relief from the relentless heat under the cool sea breeze.

The electoral battle has put Vijay Vasanth, the incumbent MP who clinched victory in the 2021 by-election following his father’s tragic demise, against BJP stalwart Pon Radhakrishnan, fondly referred to as ‘Ponnar’ by locals.

Kanyakumari’s economic backbone lies in agriculture, with crops like paddy, plantain, rubber, and cashews flourishing in its fertile lands. What sets this constituency apart in Tamil Nadu is its unique demographic composition.

The district’s history bears scars from the communal riots that erupted in Mandaikadu back in 1982, leaving lasting divides among its residents. As summer arrives, temple festivities come alive, with BJP flags adorning the temples located a few kilometers inland. Ponnar, with his track record of delivering crucial infrastructure projects like the Marthandam flyover, commands substantial support among Hindu voters, especially in areas like Parvathipuram.However, certain ambitious endeavors spearheaded by Ponnar, such as the proposed Enayam trans-shipment harbor, have stirred discontent among the fishing community. Fishermen like M Anto from Inayamputhenthurai express their concerns about potential displacement due to the project, leading to daily protests to halt its implementation.In the midst of this electoral battle, Congress candidate Vijay Vasanth stands as a beacon of hope for many, leveraging the palpable anti-Modi sentiment prevalent among voters. Banking on the unfulfilled promises of his father, Vijay vows to prioritize initiatives aimed at uplifting the constituency, including the establishment of an airport and enhanced services for fishermen.However, the electoral landscape takes a surprising turn with the entry of candidates from other political parties. The AIADMK puts forward Pasilian Nazareth, hailing from the fisher community, aiming to sway votes in their favor. Similarly, Maria Jennifer, representing Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), brings attention to pressing issues like the extraction of blue metal for the Vizhinjam harbor project in Kerala, resonating with the concerns of Kanyakumari’s residents.

Amidst the competition, the Congress party adopts a strategic move by nominating Tharahai Cuthbert, also from the fisher community, for an assembly seat in Vilavancode. Breaking a six-decade tradition, this decision reflects Congress’s efforts to resonate with the coastal electorate and secure their support in the upcoming elections. Cuthbert, with her roots deeply embedded in Marthandam and a lineage tracing back to Lourdammal Simon, a revered figure in the fisheries sector, emerges as a formidable contender.

As the electoral battle intensifies, candidates like Vijay Vasanth and Tharahai Cuthbert strive to rally support from the coastal community, promising to address their longstanding grievances and champion their cause in the political arena. With the fate of Kanyakumari hanging in the balance, the electorate eagerly awaits the outcome of this high-stakes contest, poised to shape the future trajectory of the region.

(With inputs from ToI)