Thiruvananthapuram: As the by-elections in Kerala approach, the political battle intensifies, with both the ruling and opposition fronts preparing for a crucial contest. After its success in Thrissur during the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is looking to secure another major victory, particularly in Palakkad. A win in this constituency, combined with retaining the Chelakkara seat, would be a significant boost for the state government, strengthening its hold on power and boosting its confidence.
For the United Democratic Front (UDF), maintaining its grip on the Palakkad seat and capturing Chelakkara would validate its continuous criticism of the government, signaling that its anti-government campaigns have resonated with voters. The stakes are particularly high as both fronts seek to assert dominance ahead of future elections.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF), despite facing several allegations, will focus on showcasing the government’s achievements. Their campaign will likely highlight the successes of welfare schemes like the Life Mission project and Kerala’s impressive rankings in education, health, and public distribution systems. The LDF also plans to frame economic pressures from the central government as challenges they have effectively managed, aiming to connect with grassroots voters.
Meanwhile, the UDF’s strategy is to target the government’s alleged “anti-people” policies, addressing issues like the mishandling of the Pooram festival, allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and the controversial relationship between the RSS and CPM. They also plan to use the tragic suicide of a left-leaning ADM officer in Kannur, allegedly due to harassment by a CPM leader, as a pivotal campaign point.
The BJP, on the other hand, will focus heavily on the Sabarimala issue, criticizing the government’s restrictions on devotees. The BJP will also seize upon Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s controversial remarks in an interview with The Hindu, along with his connection to the gold smuggling scandal, to fuel its campaign rhetoric.
On the candidate front, Youth Congress State President Rahul Mankoottathil has been chosen by the Congress to contest in the Palakkad Assembly constituency. In Chelakkara, former MP Ramya Haridas will represent the Congress. The LDF is likely to field Zilla Panchayat President K. Binumol in Palakkad, while U R Pradeep, chairman of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Corporation, is tipped to run for Chelakkara.
