Lok Sabha Elections 2024: ML Ashwini (BJP) looses to Rajmohan Unnithan (INC) in Kasaragod

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Kasaragod Lok Sabha seat, is one of the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the Indian state of Kerala.

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Edited By: Mayank Kasyap
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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Rajmohan Unnithan of the Congress party won in the Kerala's Kasargod constituency with a margin of 1,00,649 votes defeating ML AShwini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Kasaragod Lok Sabha seat, is one of the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the Indian state of Kerala. INC's Rajmohan Unnithan won the Kasaragod seat in the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 by defeating K. P. Satheesh Chandran of the CPI(M).

What are the main issues?

Kasaragod, located in the northernmost district of Kerala, India, faces several issues that impact its development and the quality of life of its residents. Here are the key issues in the Kasaragod Lok Sabha constituency:

1. Healthcare

  • Endosulfan Tragedy: Kasaragod is infamous for the health crisis caused by the use of the pesticide Endosulfan. Many residents suffer from severe health conditions due to exposure, and there is a dire need for better healthcare facilities and support for affected families.
  • Healthcare Infrastructure: The district lacks adequate healthcare infrastructure. There is a need for more hospitals, specialized medical facilities, and trained healthcare professionals to cater to the population's needs.

2. Education

  • Educational Infrastructure: The region requires improved educational facilities, including well-equipped schools and colleges. The quality of education needs enhancement to ensure better academic outcomes.
  • Higher Education Opportunities: There is a demand for more higher education institutions and vocational training centers to provide local youth with better opportunities for skill development and employment.

3. Infrastructure Development

  • Road Connectivity: Poor road infrastructure hampers connectivity within the district and with neighboring regions. Upgrading and maintaining roads is crucial for economic development and accessibility.
  • Public Transportation: Improving public transportation services is necessary to facilitate easy and affordable commuting for residents, especially in rural areas.

4. Agriculture

  • Support for Farmers: Farmers in Kasaragod need better support in terms of access to modern farming techniques, subsidies, and fair pricing for their produce. Irrigation facilities also require improvement.
  • Coconut and Arecanut Cultivation: These are major crops in Kasaragod, and farmers often face issues related to pest attacks and market fluctuations. Support for these crops is essential for the local economy.

5. Water Management

  • Drinking Water: Ensuring a reliable supply of clean drinking water is a major issue. Many areas face water scarcity, especially during the dry season.
  • Irrigation: Enhancing irrigation facilities is crucial for the agricultural sector. Proper water management practices are needed to support farming activities.

6. Employment Opportunities

  • Job Creation: There is a need for more employment opportunities in the district. Promoting industrial development and encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can help generate jobs.
  • Skill Development: Providing vocational training and skill development programs can enhance employability among the youth.

7. Environmental Concerns

  • Deforestation and Land Degradation: Environmental degradation due to deforestation and land misuse is a concern. Sustainable practices and conservation efforts are needed to protect the environment.
  • Waste Management: Proper waste management systems are required to tackle pollution and ensure a clean environment.

8. Tourism Development

  • Promoting Tourism: Kasaragod has several tourist attractions, including Bekal Fort and beautiful beaches. Developing tourism infrastructure can boost the local economy and create jobs.
  • Eco-Tourism: Promoting eco-tourism can help in preserving the natural beauty of the region while attracting tourists.

9. Social Welfare

  • Support for Vulnerable Groups: Ensuring the welfare of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, through various social programs and schemes is essential.
  • Housing: Providing affordable housing solutions for the underprivileged is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

10. Language and Cultural Identity

  • Linguistic Diversity: Kasaragod is known for its linguistic diversity, with multiple languages spoken in the region. Promoting and preserving this cultural heritage is important for maintaining social harmony.

Caste Equation

The caste equation in Kasaragod is quite interesting with Muslims dominating people from other communities exercising participation. Buddhists are 0.04 per cent, Christians are 7.76 per cent, Jains are 0.01 per cent, Muslims are 35.01 per cent, SCs are 3.89 per cent, STs are 3.1 per cent and Sikhs are 0.02 per cent.

Who won in 2019?

Rajmohan Unnithan won the Kasaragod seat in the Lok Sabha Elections 2019. He belongs to the Congress Party and won with a vote share of 43.50 per cent. Meanwhile, K. P. Satheesh Chandran of the CPI(M) was only able to garner 39.80 per cent.