Dates fixed, election heat intensifies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Assembly election just five months away, the local body polls are a litmus test for all three major fronts. This is why they are trying to make seat-sharing and candidate selection as perfect as possible. With the election date now announced, an intense political battle is expected.

The LDF aims for the rare achievement of winning another term in power. The UDF fears that if they fail to return to power in the next Assembly election too, they may become politically irrelevant. The NDA’s goal is to capture as many local bodies as possible.

If the LDF performs strongly in the local body elections, it can claim that the people approve of its governance and confidently face the Assembly election. But if they slip, it will be seen as a sign of public dissatisfaction with the government.

If the UDF performs well, it can hope for a comeback and intensify its campaign for the Assembly polls. If the NDA achieves an exceptional result, it can build strategies to increase its strength in the Assembly as well.

Campaign strategies

1. LDF is highlighting development activities, welfare schemes, and progress in the industrial sector.

2. UDF focuses on government corruption and the financial crisis. The Sabarimala and gold smuggling issues will also be raised.

3. BJP/NDA will accuse the state government of not implementing central schemes properly. The PM Shri controversy will also be raised

What the numbers show
Currently, NDA rules 17 grama panchayats and two municipalities. The NDA aims to expand its control to more local bodies, including corporations. In municipalities, LDF and UDF are almost equal, with 43 and 41, respectively. In block panchayats, the UDF holds fewer than half the number controlled by the LDF. In district panchayats, the LDF governs 11 while the UDF controls only three. Among six corporations, the UDF has only one. In the grama panchayats too, the LDF has clear dominance.

Strategy involving top leaders
* Fronts have appointed senior leaders as the district in-charge for election activities.
* Senior leaders are also included in the candidate lists, while giving more opportunities to youth.
* Seat-sharing and candidate selection are progressing smoothly without major disputes.