UDF will come to power by winning 100 seats, Left rule is a dark period for Kerala: Ramesh Chennithala

KOCHI: Senior Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said that the UDF will win 100 seats and come to power with a huge majority in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He was speaking at the 'Meet the Leader' programme organised by the Ernakulam Press Club.

He strongly criticised the Left government, calling the last ten years of rule “a dark phase in Kerala’s development history.”

“The confidence shown by the Chief Minister and the Left Front is nothing but fake confidence born out of fear of defeat,” he said.

Chennithala claimed that there is strong anti-incumbency sentiment among the people.

“The government has betrayed common people by increasing bus fares five times and electricity charges four times. Even drinking water has been taxed. Development has been limited only to CPI(M) leaders,” he alleged.

He also criticised the state’s economic performance. “While Kerala’s foreign investment remains around Rs 300 crore, neighbouring states are attracting investments worth thousands of crores. In the last ten years, the government has failed to bring even a single major project,” he said.

Chennithala said the UDF will contest the election with five “Indira Guarantees” aimed at helping people.

“If we come to power, in the very first cabinet meeting, welfare pensions will be increased to Rs 3000. Free travel for women in KSRTC buses will be ensured. College girls will be given Rs 1000 as monthly pocket money,” he announced.

He added that job seekers and entrepreneurs will get interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh.

“Under the name of Oommen Chandy, we will provide health insurance coverage of Rs 25 lakh for every family. A separate ministry will be formed for the welfare of senior citizens,” he said.

Chennithala also criticised the government over the Sabarimala issues.

“The Chief Minister has hurt the sentiments of devotees by violating traditions at Sabarimala. The government is protecting those involved in gold theft and fund misappropriation. Even the accounts of nearly Rs 7 crore collected in the name of a global Ayyappa meet have not been submitted in court,” he alleged.

He also spoke about development promises.

“Houses announced by Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad will be completed and handed over on time. Unlike the LDF government, we will not inaugurate incomplete houses,” he said.

Chennithala informed that Rahul Gandhi will visit Kerala on March 30 and 31 as part of his campaign.

“The tour will begin from Adoor on March 30. He will attend programmes in Pathanamthitta, Puthuppally, and Ettumanoor. On March 31, his campaign will be in the Malabar region,” he said.