Daijiworld Media Network - Malappuram
Malappuram, Dec 6: Kerala leader of the opposition and senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan on Saturday expressed confidence that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised for a decisive victory in the upcoming state local body elections, which he described as a “semi-final” ahead of the Assembly polls.
Satheesan attributed the momentum to a strong “anti-government” wave across Kerala, driven by public anger over corruption scandals, administrative failures, and widespread discontent across key sectors.
Highlighting the UDF’s preparedness, Satheesan noted that ward committees were formed a year in advance, with extensive door-to-door campaigns and family meets. He claimed the front faces minimal internal disputes this time, while the ruling CPI-M is grappling with statewide rebel issues.
A significant factor shaping voter sentiment, according to Satheesan, is the handling of the Sabarimala gold theft case. He alleged that former Travancore Devaswom Board presidents N. Vasu and A. Padmakumar, considered close to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, remain in jail without party disciplinary action, with the government reportedly attempting to delay further arrests until after the elections.
The LoP also criticised the LDF government over rising prices for eight consecutive months, and alleged neglect in agriculture, education, and fisheries. “Kerala's economy is in shambles. Even SC/ST students are denied e-grants. Forest-fringe communities face wild animal attacks,” he said. He further condemned repeated collapses of national highway projects, including a recent incident at Kottiyam in Kollam district, which endangered schoolchildren. Satheesan suggested these failures are linked to corruption and alleged covert political understanding between CPI-M and BJP.
On political alliances, Satheesan dismissed chief minister Vijayan’s critique of UDF’s ties with the Welfare Party, pointing to the CPI-M’s decades-long relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami.
Defending party discipline, he highlighted the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee’s swift action in expelling an accused leader within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, contrasting it with alleged inaction by ministers facing misconduct charges in the current government.
Regarding electoral prospects, Satheesan projected UDF gains in eight to nine district panchayats, victories in four of six corporations, and significant wins in municipal bodies. “The UDF has succeeded in setting the election agenda. Kerala is discussing our charges and our alternative roadmap. The CPI-M is on the defensive,” he said.