Kottayam ,26 March (HS):
In an election season often dominated by money power and high-profile campaigns, the Ettumanoor Assembly constituency in Kerala is witnessing a striking contrast, with one candidate drawing attention for her extremely modest financial background.
Ashna Thambi, the 26-year-old Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) [SUCI(C)] candidate, has emerged as one of the most financially modest contestants in the state. At the time of filing her nomination, she declared total assets of just ₹84 — ₹40 in hand and ₹44 in her bank account — making her arguably the least wealthy candidate in the fray.
Despite her limited financial resources, Ashna has built her campaign on grassroots activism and public engagement. A committed social worker, she has been actively involved in protest movements and people’s struggles, positioning herself as a candidate who understands the concerns of ordinary citizens. She believes that empathy and the ability to support people matter more than financial strength in public life.
Ashna holds a postgraduate diploma in journalism and has prior electoral experience through student politics, having contested elections at Maharaja’s College representing the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO). She currently serves as the party’s media coordinator, a district committee member, a local committee member in Thiruvarppu, and a member of the AIDSO state secretariat. Her parents, natives of Arayankavu in Ernakulam, are also full-time party workers, reflecting her strong ideological upbringing.
Interestingly, Ettumanoor is also witnessing a contest dominated by youth. Representing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), 25-year-old Athira D. Nair is among the youngest candidates in Kerala this election. Contesting as a representative of the Twenty20 party, Athira brings a different profile to the race.
With a degree in cyber forensics and a postgraduate qualification in computer science, Athira is currently an online entrepreneur. She has emphasised that age is not a barrier, asserting that performance and commitment matter more. She says she has clear development plans for the constituency and is confident of connecting with voters.
As campaigning gathers pace, Ettumanoor is shaping up as a unique electoral battleground where youth, ideology, and contrasting life experiences are taking centre stage, offering voters an alternative to conventional, money-driven politics.
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
