Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, declaring that Kerala is in the grip of a severe governance crisis. He stated that for the past nine-and-a-half years under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the administration has been conspicuously absent when the people needed it the most.
A Decade of Weakened Foundations
In a detailed article released ahead of the crucial local body elections, Satheesan argued that nearly a decade of LDF rule has systematically weakened sectors that were once considered Kerala's pillars of strength. He specifically highlighted the alarming decline in the health and education sectors, which have suffered due to neglect and mismanagement.
The Congress leader pointed to an unprecedented financial crisis gripping the state, which has resulted in a severe shortage of funds for essential welfare and development programmes. Satheesan squarely blamed this situation on rampant corruption and financial mismanagement by the current dispensation.
The UDF's Blueprint for Rebuilding Kerala
Entering the electoral battle, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has released a comprehensive chargesheet documenting the LDF's failures. Alongside this, they have presented an alternative manifesto outlining their vision and solutions if voted to power. Satheesan expressed confidence that widespread public resentment, coupled with the UDF's constructive proposals, will result in a decisive mandate for the opposition front.
The UDF's manifesto is designed to represent every demographic group, with interventions planned for various stages of life. It places a strong emphasis on three core principles: genuine decentralization, achieving economic self-sufficiency, and ensuring equality for all citizens.
Key Promises and Allegations
The opposition front has made several significant promises while levelling serious allegations against the Vijayan government:
- Decentralization Reversed: The UDF alleges that the current government has reversed the spirit of decentralization. They claim that for the 2025-26 fiscal year, local bodies received only Rs 2,500 crore out of an allocated Rs 8,452 crore. The UDF promises to restore the autonomy of local bodies and ensure unconditional funding at the ward level.
- Poverty and Food Security: Plans include reviving the Ashraya poverty-eradication programme and introducing a low-cost food initiative inspired by Karnataka's successful Indira Canteen model.
- Public Health Emergency: Citing a collapse in government hospitals, the UDF has prioritized radical public health reforms in its agenda.
- Civic Issues: The manifesto offers solutions for the persistent stray dog menace and waste management, including the introduction of advanced plasma-based waste treatment technology.
- Housing and Infrastructure: Other major pledges include disaster-mitigation projects to prevent urban flooding, ensuring quality drinking water supply, and an ambitious plan to construct 5,00,000 houses within five years.
Corruption and a Call for Change
Satheesan also brought up the Sabarimala temple gold scam as a key campaign issue, accusing the ruling party of shielding senior leaders implicated in the investigation. He stated that corruption, backdoor appointments, and repeated hikes in taxes and tariffs have overburdened ordinary citizens, worsening inflation for months.
The UDF is calling for a mandate to 'rebuild' Kerala. Satheesan asserted that a UDF victory is essential to defend democratic values and resist communal politics. He framed the upcoming local body elections as a direct referendum on the state's governance over the last nine-and-a-half years, urging voters to choose a path of restoration and responsible administration.
