UDF wished for good performance; received results exceeding expectations 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF, which had hoped for better performance in the local body elections, has exceeded expectations with a dazzling victory. It will be a driving force for the UDF to enter the assembly elections with increased vigour. The core of the UDF's move is the team strength formed in the previous by-elections. It was also realised that what Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan said about united action was not just words. They worked as Team UDF. In the Thrikkakara, Puthuppally and Palakkad by-elections, the constituent parties worked shoulder to shoulder with the Congress and achieved a great victory. This leap also increases the confidence of KPCC President Sunny Joseph and UDF Convener Adoor Prakash.

The UDF stance of not giving in to the stubbornness of PV Anvar, who had left the Left camp before the Palakkad by-election with the hope of joining the UDF, also turned into support for the UDF. Another reason for the progress in the Malabar region is the dedicated efforts of the League, which has focused on becoming the UDF's shield and sword without deviating from the core of the decisions taken collectively.

Although there was no major turmoil, the UDF, especially the Congress, had started preparing the ground for the local elections months ago. The priority was given to outreach activities, including family gatherings and house visits. The UDF put forward three issues in the local elections. Anti-government sentiment, law and order situation, and the Sabarimala gold scam. Although it did not give importance to the street protests, it highlighted the price hike and the stagnation in the administration. The UDF was also able to raise the feeling that there was widespread corruption and nepotism.

The repeated lock-up attacks and police atrocities were actively discussed by the UDF. The police brutality against Youth Congress and KSU activists was also effectively highlighted. When it became clear that the allegations repeatedly leveled by the UDF against CPM representatives, including former Devaswom Board presidents, in the Sabarimala gold scam case were true, what grew in people's minds was the acceptance of the UDF.