THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With a week left for the crucial Assembly polls, LDF state leadership is trying hard to keep up the momentum which it claims to have received across the state, till the polling day on May 16. Political observers say corruption, loss of credibility of the UDF Government, confusion in sections of Congress in attacking the Sangh Parivar in a forceful manner and chief minister’s statement on BJP being the main rival of UDF in many constituencies, might give an edge to the LDF.
“ Nair vote base of UDF is shifting in a big way towards the BJP. There also appears to be a shift taking place among Ezhavas from the UDF to BJP-BDJS. But this is mainly among upwardly mobile members of the community. Though there is also a shift among Ezhava from the Left to the BJP-BDJS, it is small compared to the UDF. One of the major reasons is the Left’s considerable influence among the lower middle and lower class OBCs especially those engaged in the traditional sectors like coir, cashew,” said political analyst Dr J Prabhash .
The Left leadership claims that BJP’s high voltage campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi might result in consolidation of minorities particularly Muslims, in favour of the LDF mainly in places other than Malabar region. This is the reason why the CPM has launched a sharp attack on Modi focussing on his role in Gujarat riots and Babri Masjid demolition.
Besides, it is also exposing Modi model of development in Gujarat which had heaped miseries on the common man and the failures of two year old Modi Government at the Centre. The LDF, however, is keeping its fingers crossed over Kuttanad and Idukki where BDJS has fielded strong candidates.
While the Left is claiming that Modi visit has not made any impact, the fact is that the Prime Minister has galvanised the BJP – RSS cadres. CPM leadership is also watching the developments in constituencies in Kasargod and Thiruvananthapruam .
Jisha murder case has led to anger among a cross section of society especially the youth which is evident from the views being expressed in social networking sites. A cross section of Dalit outfits are angry over the manner in which the police handled the case. The incident also puts a big question mark over UDF government's much trumpeted slogan “development and care”.
