THIRUVANANTHPURAM: Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan took Aruvikkara constituency by storm as hundreds of people thronged the public meeting venue to hear the veteran who was initially excluded by CPM state leadership from campaign. People occupied chairs, open spaces and even terraces of adjacent buildings near the venue almost three hours ahead of his arrival. Even as LDF leaders were busy making speeches from dais, the crowd waited in anticipation for the man of the moment. Every time horns blared loudly, people turned their heads such was the enthusiasm in the air.
Ganesh Kumar MLA had only spoken for a few minutes when entire area reverberated with spirited slogans, marking Achuthanandan’s arrival about 500 meters away from the venue. Sensing the mood, Ganesh cut short his speech. “I have many things to share about UDF Government’s corruption. But will do that after VS speech,” he said. Security personnel accompanying VS had a tough time making way for him through the crowds of jubilant workers raising slogans like “Kanne, karale VSe, muthe muthe VS, janalakshangalude nethave.”
Slogans continued uninterruptedly, only to turn into a massive roar when he climbed on the stage. His opening words triggered a huge applause. Compared to LDF worker’s tepid response last week’s convention, the mood here was electrifying. Each face was swollen with pride as if they had a message to convey. “This is the man they excluded from the convention. Our leaders have lost touch with the ground reality. Hope they wake up,” said a party sympathiser.
Achuthanandan spoke for almost an hour. Every word was heard with rapt attention, occasionally punctured by applause and loud cheers. LDF candidate Vijayakumar was beaming with pride, CPM central committee member E P Jayarajan watched the proceedings closely. There was a repeat of arrival scenes, when he left the venue. Big crowd of youngsters accompanied, followed him with spirited slogans up to his vehicle. Achuthanandan’s whirlwind trip yet again proved CPM state leadership’s assessment about veteran leader wrong.
