The latest instance relates to the CPI(M)’s election campaign in the Aruvikkara by-election in which the stakes are very high for both the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front(LDF) and the Congress-headed United Democratic Front(UDF).

The State CPI(M) leadership(read Pinarayi Vijayan although he has ceased to be the state party secretary), in its infinite wisdom, decided that the party would have a spectacular start to its campaign in the by-election without the presence of their star campaigner, VS Achuthanandan. Predictably, the CPI(M) convention, inaugurated by state secretary, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, was everything what a VS-attended party rally was not! Colourless, unresponsive and dull.

All that it did in achieving was to spread cheer in the rival UDF camp demoralized by the feud in the Congress camp over the selection of the son of former Speaker G. Karthikeyan, whose death necessitated the Aruvikkara by-election, as the Congress candidate. It was a self goal scored by the CPI(M) even before the campaign got off to a start, and an unexpected bonus to the rival camp. A s a wag put it, the CPI(M) decision amounted to staging Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark!

But, it must be said to the credit of the state CPI(M) leadership, they quickly realized their mistake, and changed tactics. Without battling an eyelid as it were, the party leaders have now pressed VS into service to pep up the poll campaign of party candidate, M. Vijayakumar, a popular leader in his own right.

And lo! What a difference it made. Achuthanandan attended a meeting at Aryanad with excellent results! The turnout at the rally was huge, and, more important, the response of the participants most enthusiastic. The welcome they accorded to VS was, to say the least, electrifying.

The rally once again proved, beyond a shadow of doubt, that Achuthanandan remains the most popular CPI(M) leader in the state. His is the only face which attracts voters and votes. Aruvikkara was literally Achuthanandan-struck, as a CPI(M) supporter put it. The CPI(M) leadership which decided to keep VS out of the campaign, ended up with egg on their faces!

That they have, albeit most reluctantly, accepted VS’s immense popularity, is clear from their decision to now press the veteran into the second and final lap of the campaign. VS, it is learnt, will now address at least one meeting in all the eight panchayats that form part of the Aruvikkara constituency.

Understandably, the thundering success of the VS rally has spread panic in the UDF camp. Worried Congress leaders are now pulling out all the stops to neutralize the VS factor, but do not seem to be succeeding. A galaxy of Congress leaders, including top gun, A. K. Antony have plunged themselves heart and soul into the campaign. Will it reverse the wind blowing in favour of the CPI(M) candidate? Doubtful if the VS blitzkrieg is any guide.

Congress candidate, Sabarinath, son of late Karthikeyan, is hoping to cash in on the sympathy factor. True, Karthikeyan had nursed the constituency well. But since Sabarinath is a greenhorn, the perception is that he is unlikely to be the beneficiary of the sympathy factor. More or less, there is resentment in the Youth Congress and the Congress’s students union over the selection of Sabarinath as the Congress candidate.

On the other hand, CPI(M) candidate, Vijayakumar is a highly popular leader in the constituency. His is a familiar face. His track record as an MLA, Speaker and Minister is impressive. He is one of the most acceptable faces in the CPI(M)’s leadership ranks. All these qualities plus the VS factor could enable him to romp home an easy winner, say impartial observers.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate, O. Rajagopal has launched a vigorous campaign to reverse his loser image. Rajagopal, who has been contesting elections unsuccessfully since 1989, is hoping to emerge the winner this time mainly on the strength of what the BJP leaders believe the good performance of the Narendra Modi government at the centre.

All said and done, Aruvikkara is still soaking in the euphoria and enthusiasm generated by the VS campaign. A few more VS meetings, and the CPI(M) will win the by-election hands down, believe impartial observers. (IPA Service)