THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Monday asserted that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised for a “splendid victory” in the upcoming local body elections, declaring that the polls will serve as an opportunity to put the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s nine-and-a-half years of administration on “trial in the court of public conscience.”
Satheesan highlighted the UDF’s unity and preparedness, stating that the front is contesting the election as ‘Team UDF,’ much like a single party. He claimed the UDF is significantly ahead of all other fronts in election groundwork, seat-sharing finalization, and candidate selection.
Focus on Fiscal Collapse and Price Rise
The Opposition Leader launched a blistering attack on the LDF government’s performance, focusing primarily on the state’s economic distress.
”Kerala has been pushed into the most pathetic financial situation in its history. The state exchequer has no money, and the government is debt-ridden, constantly borrowing without even knowing the sources,” Satheesan alleged.
He pointed to the severe price rise, noting that Kerala has ranked first in inflation in India for the last ten months. He blamed the government’s inaction and inability to intervene, revealing that state-run SupplyCo is yet to receive approximately ₹2,200 crore, rendering it unable to stabilize market prices.
Sabarimala and Corruption
Satheesan claimed that the controversy surrounding the alleged gold robbery at the Sabarimala temple has shocked the state. He referenced the Kerala High Court’s observations, suggesting the involvement of elements linked to “international idol theft” and asserted that leadership within the CPI(M) and the Devaswom Board are complicit.
”The government is shielding those who looted the gold from Sabarimala. This and other widespread corruption will be a major topic of discussion in the local elections,” he stated.
Widespread Governance Failure
The Opposition Leader provided a sectoral critique of the administration, asserting that the government had destroyed crucial public services:
- Agriculture: The paddy procurement system is deplorable, with farmers’ harvested crops left to rot in the rain due to the failure of SupplyCo and the mills to lift the stock.
- Health: The health sector is “on a ventilator.” Government hospitals lack even basic items like thread, needles, and cotton, and surgical equipment has been taken back by suppliers due to non-payment.
- Law and Order: Kerala has become a hub for narcotic drugs, and law and order have completely collapsed.
- Coastal Areas: Despite announcing projects worth thousands of crores, not a single rupee has been spent on the impoverished coastal belt, which is battling erosion and facing a lack of kerosene subsidy.
Kochi Corporation and Brahmapuram
Targeting the Kochi Corporation, which the LDF currently governs, Satheesan announced the UDF’s goal is to secure a two-thirds majority. He reiterated that the Brahmapuram waste plant contract involved corruption worth crores, alleging that the administration set the plant on fire to save the culprits.
”Kochi is currently the city with the highest mosquito and stray dog population in India. The current corporation has no development plan; all existing projects are continuations of UDF-initiated Smart City schemes,” he concluded.
Welfare Party and Political Alliances
Regarding political alliances, Satheesan confirmed that the UDF has accepted support from the Welfare Party, but clarified that there are no visible or invisible adjustments with them. He also seized the opportunity to accuse the CPI(M) of opportunism, reminding reporters that both Pinarayi Vijayan and Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had previously sought support from the Jama’at-e-Islami (the Welfare Party’s former iteration) without calling them communal.
