THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the Congress' claim that it has given more consideration to newcomers and youth in the selection of candidates, there is strong criticism within the UDF over the lack of seats reserved for backward communities. Statistics show that the UDF selected its candidates without giving any importance to the High Command's direction to consider more people from the backward communities.

Backward classes were given relatively more importance by the NDA. The LDF also took special care not to neglect the backward classes despite having to consider candidates from Muslim and Christian communities. While the NDA gave 55 seats (Ezhava-43 and other backwards-12) to the Hindu and Christian backward classes, the LDF allotted 46 seats (Ezhava-28 and other backwards-18). At the same time, in the UDF, it dropped to 26. (Ezhava-14, other backwards-12). It is alleged that group, individual and community interests prevailed in the candidate selection process, while social justice and AICC norms were overlooked.

In the last assembly elections, Congress gave 11 seats to the Ezhava community. Among them, only one person was elected to the state assembly. With the election of that member to the Lok Sabha, the UDF lost its Ezhava representation in the assembly. Yet, backward classes were neglected during the local body elections and the UDF suffered heavy setbacks. Kerala Kaumudi had earlier released the facts and figures regarding this.

Community consideration

UDF:
Ezhava-14 (Congress-13, RSP-1), Nair-28 (Cong), Nambiar-3 (Cong), Muslim-39 (Muslim League-26, Cong-12, RSP-1), Christian-28 (Cong-18, Kerala Cong Joseph-10). SC/ST-16 (Cong-15, RSP-1) Other Backward Classes-12 (All Congress-Christian Nadar-2, Latin-3, Dheevara-2, OBC-2, Yadava-1, Gurukal-1, Koshava-1)

LDF:

Ezhava-28 (CPM-20, CPI-5, JDS-1, LJD, NCP-1), Nair-28 (CPM-15, CPI-9, Kerala Cong-B-1, Kerala Cong-M-2, LJD-1),
Christian-21 (Kerala Cong M-10, CPM-8, CPI-1, NCP-1, JDS-1), Muslim-29 (CPM-21, CPI-4, INL-3, NCP-1), SC/ST- 16 (CPM-11, CPI-4, RSP-L-1) and Other Backwards-18 - (Latin-3 (CPM-2, Janadhipathya Kerala Cong-1) Dheevara-1-CPM), OBC-3-CPM), OEC-3-CPM) Nadar Christian-2 (CPM) ), Nadar Hindu-1 (Janata Dal-S) Padmashaliya-1- (CPM), Kumbara-1-CPM), Gurukkal-1- (CPM), Vaniyar-1 (CPM) ), Ganika-1 (Cong S).

NDA:

Ezhava-43 (BJP-25, BDJS-18). Nair-45 (BJP-44, BDJS-1) Brahmana-3 (BJP), Nambiar-5 (BJP), Warrier-1 (BJP), Ezhuthachan-2 (BJP), Menon-1 (BJP), Vaishya-2 (BJP), Pothuval-1 (BJP), Christian-6 (BJP), Muslim-3 (BJP), Other Backward Classes-12- Dheevara-4 (BJP), Nadar-1 (BJP), Vishwakarma-2 (BJP), Kulala-1 (BJP), Gurukkal-1 (BJP) Shaiva Vellala-1 (BJP), Moothon-1 (BJP), SC/ST-17 (BJP 16, BDJS-1).