Contributed by Smitha Basheer –
‘Kochi’s own MLA’ would be the most appropriate catchline for KJ Maxy, who was re-elected as Member of Legislative Assembly from Kochi constituency, formerly known as Mattancherry Constituency. He was the incumbent MLA from 2016 through 2021.
Born and brought up in Kochi, Maxy has been associated with poiltics right from his school days. He has been twice elected as a councillor of Kochi Corporation from Thoppumpady Division. During the second term from 2005-10, he was elected as the Standing Committee Chairman for Health and Education. His deep-rooted connections with the place has allowed him to feel the pulse of Kochiites over the years.
The stellar troubleshooting skills showcased by him when confronted with difficulties, and the finesse with which his office rose to the occasion was the reason for adopting ‘Nalla Kochikk Kochikkaran’ as the tagline of his 2021 election campaign, and it surely captured the hearts of people in Kochi. The tagline holds true for his persona, as his presence was felt among the people of Kochi. The public’s perception as a relatable and approachable figure for any kind of assistance was reiterated by the fact that he is ready to act immediately as their representative fulfilling his responsibility vested upon him.
He has stated earlier that being an MLA for five years has brought in a lifetime worth’s experiences, and that he is really happy to take the lead in helping to bring up projects for the city’s strategic growth. Being a son of the soil makes it easy for him to do a SWOT analysis on the type of developmental activities needed to sustainably take the city and its people forward. His experience as a leader for students, youth and workers, and as a councillor has also helped him design projects suited to the place. One of the main projects was to solve the perennial problem of drinking water shortage, which was a triumph for Maxy.
Apart from developmental projects, he has invested time and effort to design projects that enhance the educational and health standards of youth. The Aksharadeepam project, aimed at elevating educational standards of students, and the Prabatha Bhakshanam project, which ensures breakfast with the support of all the schools in Kochi Constituency are two such projects.
He was also instrumental in getting funds sanctioned from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and MLA fund to help build new buildings for higher secondary schools and to provide hitech learning facilities, some of which are in it’s final phase of completion. There are also plans to elevate the facilities being provided at the Taluk Hospital. The long lasting dream of the fisherfolk from Chellanam to have their own fishing harbour was also fulfilled during his first term as MLA.
Tourism is a major employment and revenue generator for Kochi, and to attract tourists, he has taken steps to upgrade tourism related infrastructure, like roads, to the highest standards. Locales around the beach, Chinese fishing nets and other areas frequented by tourists have been revamped. Water transportation, which is used by many officergoers and students has been made safer and comfortable with the introduction of new catamaran boats.
As the world battles COVID-19, Maxy’s presence among his people has been noteworthy. As Kochi looks forward to a brighter future beyond the pandemic, he believes that the real development of the constituency is in the good of all its citizens, bearing in mind that each vote is a responsibility that he must fulfill.
