Thrikkakara’s decision reaffirmed the Congress’ position from the start of the campaign that there would be no KV Thomas factor in the by-elections.
In fact, the transfer of allegiance to the Left camp by the long-time Congress leader may have turned against the CPI(M) in the end result, despite the party welcoming him on stage at the opening of the election convention to much fanfare. by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The initial enthusiasm in the Left camp at Mr. Thomas’ admission did not last long, as he was not seen as expected in the campaign phase. Although the district unit of the CPI(M) denied such reports, the Congress was quick to ask whether the Left feared a negative reaction from voters due to Mr Thomas’ presence.
As news of record margins for Uma Thomas broke out, Mr Thomas said such a result was not expected. “It is for the Left to introspect how it lost,” he said. I expected Joe Joseph to win by a margin of 4,000 votes.