Kozhikode: Her resounding second term win in Vadakara, coupled with the electoral rout suffered by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM, became a sort of poetic justice for Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMP) leader K K Rema. This victory occurred on the death anniversary of her husband, T P Chandrasekharan, who was hacked to death on the very same day 14 years ago.
Background of the Murder
Chandrasekharan's murder remains one of Kerala's most chilling political killings, with several CPM workers later convicted in the case. The incident had sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape.
Rema's Tribute and Victory
As she has done every year since 2012, Rema began May 4 — observed as martyr's day — by offering floral tributes at Chandrasekharan's memorial in her home courtyard. She followed the counting of votes from there, watching the trends unfold on television. From the opening of postal ballots, she maintained a clear and uninterrupted lead.
After her victory was confirmed, Rema reached the counting centre at Madappally College, where she joined supporters in celebration. Contesting as the candidate of the Revolutionary Marxist Party of India and backed by the United Democratic Front (UDF), Rema won by a margin of 14,862 votes, significantly higher than her previous margin of 7,491, defeating LDF candidate M K Bhaskaran.
Emotional Social Media Post
As leads began to trickle from across the state, indicating a Left Democratic Front (LDF) debacle, Rema came out with an emotional social media post. The post was made after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan trailed in the first six rounds of counting in the Dharmadom constituency located in Kannur, a CPM fortress. The constituency was won by a margin of over 50,000 votes by Vijayan in the 2021 elections.
"These six rounds are enough, Kerala! This is enough. Chandrasekharan has been able to witness the man who branded him a betrayer and called for his murder, standing naked in the scorching sun. Salutations to political Kerala," she posted on Facebook.
Her victory, coming on such a poignant day, has been widely seen as a moment of catharsis for Rema and a symbolic rebuke to the CPM.
