Kerala elections heat up as campaign enters crucial phase

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the final list of candidates confirmed, the election campaign is entering an intense phase. Despite the severe heat posing a challenge, campaigning is expected to heat up even more across the state. Though all three fronts initially said the election would focus on development, the campaign has instead been marked by surprises, controversies, and personal attacks. More unexpected allegations and twists are likely in the coming days.

In a remarkably short period, the election in Kerala has witnessed an unprecedented level of political noise and controversy. The campaign heated up after a direct confrontation between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan over allegations of a BJP deal. Another controversy emerged after former CPM leader G Sudhakaran alleged that Minister Saji Cherian was behind the vandalism of the P Krishna Pillai memorial in Alappuzha.

A defamatory remark by a Muslim League leader against U Prathibha, the LDF candidate in Kayamkulam, also sparked controversy. Although action was taken against the leader, the CPM is using the issue to mount a political attack. The UDF candidate expressing regret over the remark has added to the pressure on the opposition.

The Chief Minister’s remarks against G Sudhakaran are also likely to be used by the UDF as a campaign issue, while the LDF may face challenges in explaining the context. The revelations regarding the Krishna Pillai memorial have further complicated matters for the Left.

Out of the seven rebel candidates who had filed nominations in various constituencies, six have withdrawn, bringing relief to the UDF. However, the recent controversy over the Chief Ministerial candidate is likely to trouble the front. It has also created an impression of internal discord within the Congress.

Pinarayi vs Satheesan face-off
On Thursday, the Chief Minister attacked the Congress by questioning what kind of “deal” was involved when Opposition Leader V D Satheesan lit a lamp after bowing before a portrait at the birth centenary event of M S Golwalkar. In response, Satheesan hit back, alleging that Pinarayi Vijayan himself had entered the Assembly in 1977 with the support of the RSS and accused him of being, in effect, an RSS agent.

BJP forced to respond
The BJP is now under pressure to respond to allegations by Congress candidate K Muraleedharan, who claimed that the BJP is indirectly helping the CPM in Vattiyoorkavu. He alleged that this was a return favour for support in Nemom. His remarks follow similar allegations by the Opposition Leader about a CPM-BJP understanding in several constituencies.