The political air in Kerala's Ernakulam district crackles with tension as Twenty20, the corporate-backed party, makes a surprising solo move in the upcoming bypoll for the Kolencherry East ward of Poothrikka panchayat. Despite its alliance with the BJP, the party has chosen to contest alone, fielding Deenamma Jacob against rivals from the UDF and LDF.

Key facts

  • Bypoll necessitated by resignation of Twenty20's Pooja Jomon in protest against NDA alliance
  • Twenty20 candidate won the ward in 2025 with 303 votes, 49-vote margin over Congress
  • Panchayat currently tied between Twenty20 and UDF with 7 seats each

A Pragmatic Decision

Insiders from both Twenty20 and the BJP insist this isn't a rift but pure pragmatism. Twenty20 coordinator Sabu M. Jacob explains the reasoning with calm conviction: "Poothrikka is one of our strongholds," he says, noting they still hold six members in the panchayat. The decision to run under their own banner was made in consultation with BJP leadership, focusing their campaign on alleged horse trading that triggered this election.

BJP's Strategic Retreat

The BJP, with limited influence here, isn't fighting this battle. District president P.P. Sajeev calls it a "pragmatic approach aiming for nothing short of a win." BJP workers actively support Twenty20's campaign, echoing their collaboration in last year's local polls when the BJP didn't field a candidate here either.

Political Fallout

This bypoll stems from significant drama: Pooja Jomon's resignation as both panchayat president and ward member to protest Twenty20 joining the NDA. Her exit shifted power to the UDF through a draw of lots after a 7-7 seat tie with Twenty20 in the 16-member body. Now, all eyes are on whether Twenty20 can reclaim its ground alone.