The Kerala local body elections for 2025 are set to take place on December 9 and 11, and one unexpected candidate has become the centre of statewide attention — Sonia Gandhi, the BJP-backed candidate from Munnar.
Why is this making headlines?
The name “Sonia Gandhi” is traditionally associated with the senior Congress leader and former party president. So when voters see the same name on a BJP ticket, it has naturally created a buzz — and some confusion — during the campaign.
Who is this Sonia Gandhi from Munnar?
- She is not related to the Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
- This Sonia Gandhi is the daughter of late Dure Raj, a senior Congress worker.
- Out of admiration for the Congress leader, her father named her “Sonia Gandhi”.
- She married Subhash, an active BJP worker and the current general secretary of the panchayat.
- Her husband has previously contested elections in the Moolakkada ward.
- Following her husband’s political route, she is now contesting the election as a BJP-supported candidate.
Why is Congress concerned?
The Congress candidate, Manjula Ramesh, now faces a unique challenge — name confusion among voters.
Namesakes have often influenced elections in India:
- In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls, 17 candidates had namesakes on ballot papers.
- In Sangli’s Tasgaon constituency, candidate Rohit Patil had three other Rohit Patils contesting against him.
This trend shows how similar names can confuse voters and affect vote share.
What’s next?
With polling just days away, the race in Munnar has become unexpectedly competitive, with both BJP and Congress intensifying their campaigns to avoid voter confusion.
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