Backlash if backward classes are neglected; 30 Ezhava seats necessary for safety; survey reports warn Congress

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress's own survey reports have said that the UDF will not be able to return to power if it continues to ignore the backward communities, including the Ezhavas, who make up the majority of the population. This has been pointed out in two reports by political strategist Sunil Kanugolu and two other secret surveys conducted on the instructions of the AICC.

These reports indicate that the Ezhava community should be given at least 30 seats in the assembly elections. The secret survey conducted by the same agencies just before the 2021 assembly elections also pointed out that 30 seats should be given. Kerala Kaumudi had reported this at that time. New reports say that ignoring that was the main reason why Congress was limited to 22 seats.

The Ezhava community was given a total of 14 seats that day. The backward communities like Vishwakarma and Dheevara were completely left behind. The number of Ezhava MLAs in the Congress remained at one, as in 2016. The critical Congress votes of the backward communities were largely drained to the LDF and the BJP. The reports suggest that precautions should be taken to prevent this from happening again.

Narrow margin

The surveys were conducted after the last local body elections. The survey was conducted at a time when the LDF was facing a very unfavourable situation, with the Sabarimala gold loot, anti-government sentiments and the alienation of Muslim and Christian minorities.

Despite all these favourable factors, the UDF was able to dominate only in over 80 assembly seats. The LDF has the upper hand in 60 seats. It is possible that this narrow margin between the two fronts has disappeared in the new political situation.

Lost trust should be regained

The undercurrents that create resonances of SNDP Yogam - NSS unity will definitely be reflected in the assembly elections. The general secretaries of both communities expressed a general feeling against the Congress and the Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan. Not only VD Satheesan, but also the Congress and the UDF have the responsibility to change this dissatisfaction and keep the two dominant Hindu communities together. Congress should also regain the lost trust of the backward communities, including the Ezhavas, in the selection of candidates. Surveys indicate that Congress will have to pay a heavy price if it daydreams that the next government is theirs.