THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the huge success of Aryanad public meeting, LDF has decided to unleash V S Achuthanandan juggernaut in a big way from June 15 to win the mother of all electoral battles - Aruvikkara bypoll.
The opposition leader will launch his second phase of campaign with a seven day hectic schedule in the constituency beginning with two big public meetings in Vellanad and Aruvikkara on June 15.
Similar public meetings have been lined up on June 16, 17, 18 and 19 covering Tholicode, Vithura, Kuttichal, Poovachal and Uzhamalackal panchayats.
The last leg of his campaign will feature public meetings and road show. On June 23 Achuthandan will address a public meeting and he will round up his campaign with a massive road show.
With Chief Minister taking charge of UDF campaign in Aruvikkara and gettinig huge response in many of the panchayats on Thursday, the LDF camp has decided to make most of 92-year-old Achuthanandan’s popularity to counter Chandy.
Political observers say it is boiling down to a Chandy – Achuthanandan showdown quite literally with all other leaders, candidates going backstage.
While Mr Chandy has shown the nerves to declare that Aruvikkara bypoll is a referendum on his four year old Government, the opposition is yet to draw up an effective strategy to counter UDF claims.
Even on the question of Vizhinjam port, the UDF seems to have succeeded to some extent in sending across a pro-development message. On the other hand the LDF attack on Chandy-Adani tieup appears to lack strong arguments.
Many believe that LDF would only spoil its chances by taking a blind anti Vizhinjam project stand. Though the Left leaders have clarified that they are not against project but the manner in which it has been given to Adani group, their arguments lack clarity, sharpness and Kerala friendly alternative proposals.
Observers say till LDF formulates a comprehensive and pragmatic response to UDF Government’s decision, the opposition will run the risk of being branded as "anti development" force which could prove costly on the eve of elections.
CWC member A K Antony and Chandy have already gone all out attacking the CPM on the development issue.
The LDF is also facing threat from the BJP which is making inroads into Left strongholds in various places.
