THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though the LDF has put arch-rival UDF as its main contender in the assembly by-polls in the state, the front will train its guns on the BJP, especially in the Palakkad constituency. The LDF state committee meeting held on Monday decided to adopt a two-pronged strategy against the BJP in Palakkad and Chelakkara assembly constituencies and Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.
The campaign in the bypolls would highlight the Union government’s anti-Kerala attitude in all sectors. The Union government’s bid to impose an unofficial economic embargo on the state would be explained to the people. Apart from that, the Union government’s laxity in announcing financial aid to the state’s rehabilitation projects will also be explained at length.
The LDF is of the view that by putting the BJP at the focal point of the campaign, it could garner the votes of secular majority and minority votes. The Left’s independent candidate and estranged Congress leader P Sarin’s allegation on the alleged nexus between V D Satheesan and BJP leadership will add teeth to the campaign.
“We will target the BJP as well as the UDF as the two are involved in a nexus. Everyone knows why the by-election in Palakkad happened. We want to defeat the UDF in Palakkad. At the same time, we do not want the BJP to win taking advantage of the peculiar political situation arising out of the triangular conflict,” a CPM leader told TNIE.
In Chelakkara, the LDF calculates that with the entry of former Congress leader N K Sudheer in the election frame, chances of retaining Chelakkara are bright. In Palakkad, the LDF is looking forward to recapturing the votes it lost to the BJP and the Congress in the past.