I’ve never received pampering from media, says KT Jaleel ahead of Kerala polls
I’ve never received pampering from media, says KT Jaleel ahead of Kerala polls
In a candid chat from Tavanur, KT Jaleel rails against media pampering for rivals while detailing development projects and a controversial bridge alignment review.
In the run-up to Kerala’s 2026 Assembly elections, a veteran politician from Malappuram district defends his record and questions how the media covers the race. He says he has never felt pampered by the media and accuses some outlets of favouring rival parties while trivialising alleged misdeeds by their leaders. He frames the discussion as a broader debate about accountability and coverage in a politically charged season.
Speaking from Tavanur, a constituency he has represented for 15 years, he reminded voters that his connection with the people runs deep. “I’ve been with the people of Tavanur for the past 15 years, sharing their happiness and sorrows. I have also implemented several projects in the constituency,” he said, listing a slate of infrastructure initiatives as proof of his work and commitment.
He highlighted major bridge projects funded in the region: the Olambakkadavu bridge, a kilometre-long span through the Kole fields, now 70% complete; the Nayarthode bridge across the Tirur river with ₹65 crore allocated for its construction; and the Edappal flyover, cited as the first of its kind in a town in the district, with a cost of ₹13 crore. He noted that these interventions were part of a broader push to improve connectivity while supporting local livelihoods.
On controversy surrounding the Thirunavaya-Tavanur bridge, he explained that technocrat E. Sreedharan had filed a petition in the Kerala High Court seeking an alignment change because the project fell between two temples. He said the authorities halted the plans for a comprehensive review to avoid disturbing the devotee community, and only if necessary would they consider a new alignment. He framed this as a prudent decision balancing development with cultural sensitivity.
Beyond bridges, he pointed to the coastal highway work already completed and funds amounting to ₹250 crore allocated under KIIFB for a Howrah-model bridge from Padinjarekkara to Ponnani. He asserted his aim is to complete this project and rubberise all village roads, strengthening rural infrastructure and resilience.
The candidate also addressed his decision not to contest again this time, saying he did not have a change of mind personally but that the party insisted he run for another term. He acknowledged his opponent in the contest would be the Malappuram District Congress Committee president, VS J, signaling the close, intra-district political contest that typifies the election in this constituency.
As the election timetable tightens, the interview underscored a campaign narrative centered on tangible development projects, questions about media coverage, and the delicate balance between progress and cultural concerns in a region watching every move closely.
