'Will correct what needs to be corrected, LDF has bounced back from bigger defeats before'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretariat member M Swaraj said that the LDF did not expect such a defeat in the local body elections and that the front deserved a great victory. He said that although development and people’s welfare did not become key issues in the election, they would not be abandoned. Swaraj said the reasons for the electoral defeat would be examined, necessary corrections would be made, and matters that need to be explained to the people would be clearly communicated.

“Ultimately, it is the people who decide on what basis they vote. We accept the people’s verdict. But just because people’s welfare and the state’s development did not become the main considerations, we cannot abandon them. Some argue that this verdict means people want the return of the UDF era that plunged Kerala into darkness with power cuts and load shedding. Others claim it means people want the return of a time when textbooks did not reach students even during exam periods. We do not see it that way. The people have accepted the positive changes brought about as part of LDF governance. Those do not need correction. Still, we will examine why the local election verdict went against us. We will learn from the people, correct what needs correction, and explain what needs to be explained,” Swaraj said.

He added that the LDF had earlier faced defeat in the 2010 local body elections, which was even more severe than the present one. “By learning lessons from that defeat, the LDF later moved on to a major victory. The LDF will return, and people-oriented politics will ultimately prevail,” he said.