Tue Nov 18 04:13:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
In the upcoming Kochi Corporation local body elections in Kerala, India, husband and wife Prakashan and Mary Calista Prakashan are running against each other. They have a long history in local politics, previously supporting each other. However, this time, Prakashan is contesting as a CPI(M)-backed independent from Mundamveli East, while Mary Calista Prakashan is running for the NCP(SP) from Mundamveli division. Several other couples are also contesting in other local bodies across the district, representing different political parties and contesting as independents.
News Article:
Kochi Couple to Face Off in Local Elections as Family Politics Take a New Turn
KOCHI, INDIA – November 18, 2025 – A political showdown is brewing in Kochi Corporation as husband and wife, Prakashan and Mary Calista Prakashan, find themselves on opposing sides in the upcoming local body elections. The couple, who have previously supported each other’s political ambitions, are now competing for seats in adjacent divisions.
Prakashan, a veteran politician, is running as a CPI(M)-backed independent candidate from Mundamveli East. Mary Calista Prakashan, formerly an accountant, is contesting from Mundamveli division under the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP(SP)] banner, an ally of the Left Democratic Front.
The “Prakashan family” has long held influence in the Mundamveli area. Both have previously held seats there.
This unusual situation is not unique to Kochi. Across the district, several other couples are also throwing their hats into the ring, representing diverse political affiliations. In Thrikkakara municipality, CPI(M) has nominated C.A. Nishad and his wife Rasia Nishad, while the BJP has put forward M.S. Sibin and Reshma Kumaran. Aluva municipality sees three couples vying for seats under the National Democratic Alliance. Even in Kuzhipilli panchayat, M.P. Radhakrishnan and his wife Sujatha Radhakrishnan are contesting as independents.
The elections are set to be closely watched, not just for the policies debated but also for the dynamics of couples competing in the political arena.
First Piper 