US polls: Kuttanad’s America waits with fingers crossed

ALAPPUZHA: The heat and partisan fervour generated by the US presidential election, which is still hanging in the balance, is being felt far and wide – not least of all in Kuttanad’s America.
Among the 30 families of this village, which is part of Champakkulam grama panchayat, opinion on the two main candidates is clearly divided.

Fifteen-year-old Meenakshi Bijukumar is a Donald Trump fan, and she is certain that the Republican Party candidate will return to the White House.George Mathew Panjimaram, ward member and president of the grama panchayat, is not so keen on Trump. He is backing Democrat Joe Biden.

“It is a close fight. But I am sure that Biden will prevail. He has a very different approach and his victory will be beneficial for India. Trump cannot take criticism and is full of spite towards his political opponents,” he says.
Sibi and Sunnichan are both 60 and leaning towards Trump. “We are disappointed that the result has been delayed. We like the policies and attitude of Trump,” say the two friends.
The village owes its name to a toddy shop that was set up there over 54 years back. “America was so popular with tipplers that outsiders started identifying its location by the same name. To the south-east of our village is New York City, which also has an eponymous toddy shop, ‘’ says George Mathew. “Indians don’t require a visa to visit this America.”