Uproar over PM SHRI settling; election battle to begin soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala politics entered the heat of the local body elections after the unexpected PM SHRI controversy was somewhat contained. Although the UDF dreamed of crushing the LDF in the chaos created by the Sabarimala gold scam and the PM SHRI that came right after it, a single cabinet meeting changed all that. The government has made its foundation firm by announcing welfare benefits for people from all walks of life.

Meanwhile, the government is in a predicament over the Sabarimala gold scam. The information coming out was nothing short of disturbing to the government and the Left Front. This was followed by a fight in the camp over PM SHRI. Even though the PM SHRI controversy has been resolved, the question is in the air as to why the project was signed in a hurry. However, it can be said that the LDF has gained the stamina to face the elections.

The situation of the UDF, which was expected to perform brilliantly in the local body elections and rule in the assembly elections, is not very pleasant now. The big headache is the rifts in Congress. Although the UDF had claimed that unity was strong and that youth power was active in the Congress after the victory in four by-elections, the atmosphere is not very comfortable after the Rahul Mamkootathil controversy. It is reported that the high command called the KPCC leadership to Delhi the other day and thoroughly bashed them. The high command warned against leaders coveting the chief minister's chair. The high command also suggested that the elections be fought without a chief minister candidate, which made the key leaders lose heart. The UDF's new concern is how to counter the torrent of benefits announced by the government.

LDF

Advantage:

The announcement of benefits is enough to gain popularity. The government's development activities in the last five years, including raising the welfare pension to 2000 and increasing the amount for ASHAs by Rs. 1000.

Disadvantage:

*Gold scam in Sabarimala

*High allegations against the Chief Minister's daughter.

*Continuous failures in the health sector and breakdown of law and order.

*Shortage of goods in Maveli stores.

*Wildlife attacks in the hilly region.

UDF

Advantages:

*Wipeout victory in four by-elections.

*Anti-government sentiment among the people.

*Preparations including inclusion of names in the voter list were completed on time.

*Sabarimala gold scam.

Disadvantages:

*Infighting and reorganisation issues in the Congress.

*Rahul Mamkootathil controversy and subsequent divisions.

*Criticism within the party that there is no effective intervention in exposing the government's shortcomings.