Thiruvananthapuram: While the UDF and BJP led NDA are still struggling with their candidates list, the ruling LDF has got a head-start in campaigning across the state.
The LDF candidates have started their first round of mass contact programme, meeting prominent personalities, social leaders, religious, and community heads in their respective constituencies to seek their blessings. Apart from constituency level LDF conventions that are addressed by top leaders including Chief Minster Pinaryi Vijayan, CPM and CPI state secretaries Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Kanam Rajendran, the ruling front has now started organising Assembly segment level meetings. The ruling front appears to be keen to complete constituency, distinct and Assembly level conventions before UDF and BJP finalises its candidates list.
The confusion in the UDF camp, infighting in Kerala Congress over Kottayam seat and differences within Congress over candidates selection in many seats, have come as a blessing in disguise for the LDF. The CPM-led front is making the most of the situation showcasing itself as a cohesive front and Opposition as a divided house.
The cross over of former AICC secretary Tom Vadakkan who was the face of the Congress on national news channels till recently, too has come at the right time. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s speech at LDF convention in Thiruvnanthapuram on Wednesday in which he described Congress as recruitment agency of BJP, turned out prophetic.
The LDF is planning to raise registration of sexual harassment case against three sitting MLAs Hibi Eden, Adoor Prakash and A P. Anil Kumar in a big way during the campaign. Though the Congress has termed the cases politically motivated, the leadership is wary of its impact especially with the party planning to field Hibi and Prakash in the forthcoming polls.
