Thiruvananthapuram, February 5: Kerala’s Idukki constituency has long been represented by Congress (M) leader and state Water Resources Minister, Roshy Augustine. Now, he is gearing up for the toughest electoral challenge of his career as he seeks re-election for the sixth consecutive time.
At 56, Augustine has navigated numerous political hurdles and has won five elections in a row from Idukki. He is known for his approachable demeanor and gentle nature. Four of his victories occurred while his party was part of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Even after the Kerala Congress (M) joined the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) before the 2021 assembly elections, Augustine maintained his winning streak, securing his fifth consecutive victory.
His political fortunes soared further when veteran leader K.M. Mani’s son and party chairman, Jose K. Mani, faced defeat in the Pala constituency. With no senior leaders in the fray, Augustine was appointed as a minister in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s cabinet, overseeing the Water Resources Department. His tenure has been largely controversy-free, enhancing his administrative credibility.
However, internal party differences have begun to surface. Reports suggest that Jose K. Mani wishes to return to the UDF, but Augustine has emerged as a key opponent of this move. The public airing of these disagreements forced Jose to deny rumors of leaving the LDF and accuse certain media outlets of spreading speculation.
Close associates of Jose are reportedly dissatisfied, believing that Augustine blocked proposed changes after receiving a personal call from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging the party to remain with the LDF.
Signs of electoral danger are evident as Augustine’s winning margins have steadily decreased: from 15,806 votes in 2011 to 9,333 in 2016, and just 5,573 votes in 2021. Meanwhile, the Congress party is eager to reclaim the Idukki seat, which it has not contested since 1987, having ceded it to various factions of the Kerala Congress. If Congress fields a candidate, Augustine could face a challenging and closely contested election for the first time in 25 years, further exacerbating the internal rifts within his party.