THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Pala victory could not have come for the ruling LDF at a better time as it is gearing up for the crucial by-elections to five Assembly constituencies.
The victory has galvanised the LDF cadre which was demoralised after the near-rout in Lok Sabha polls less than four months ago. Coming as it is on the eve of the bypolls in Vattiyoorkavu, Konni, Aroor, Ernakulam and Manjeshwaram, the victory has already changed the body language of LDF workers.
Though the Kerala Congress (M) went to the poll as a divided house following serious differences between P.J. Joseph and Jose K Mani, the LDF was still not sure of a victory. The repeated statements given by CPM leaders about a possible tie-up between the UDF and the BJP during the campaign was seen by many as a sign of acceptance of defeat.
But the fact that the LDF candidate secured a victory in a constituency which gave 33,000 plus votes lead to UDF in the Lok Sabha polls is no mean achievement. What makes the verdict more significant and also an indicator of the changed political situation on the ground is the voting trend witnessed in the bypoll. The LDF led in eight panchayats including opposition strongholds and Pala municipality and the UDF managing to maintain upper hand in four panchayats indicated a political shift in the constituency. It's clearly a political verdict even though the UDF leadership is refusing to accept it that way.
The Palarivattom flyover case which brought former UDF minister V.K. Ibrahim Kunju under the vigilance scanner during the campaign had come handy for the LDF which focused on issue of corruption during the previous Oommen Chandy government's tenure. Though opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala tried to counter the charges by alleging corruption in KIIFB, it failed to stick.
After Pala, the LDF leadership now believes that Vattiyoorkavu, Konni and Aroor are within their striking range as the latest victory has proved that anything can happen in the electoral battle.
Moreover, LDF decision to field young first-time candidates for the five constituencies has put the opposition UDF on the back foot. And now the stupendous victory in Pala has triggered panic in the opposition camp.
But the big question is will the LDF be able to maintain the momentum till October 21.
