Left front suffers a beating in Kerala civic polls

Agencies

Thiruvananthapuram, 28 October 2010: It’s a setback for the ruling LDF in Kerala. The Opposition wrested the Kochi municipality after 30 years of Left rule in the state. They also put up a good show in other urban and rural centers. But will they carry the momentum to the assembly elections? It’s a verdict many expected but when you win you still celebrate.

 

The Congress-led UDF camp in Kerala is jubilant after they captured many Left bastions in cities, towns and villages across the state. "Despite all odds for the first time in Kerala’s history we have come out with thumping majority. This is a clear verdict by the people against the misrule of the LDF government," said Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC President.

 

Peoples’ mandate has left the ruling LDF red faced.The Left suffered a fall from the high it reached in 2005 elections. Kochi has come as a big blow as the Left held the corporation for 30 years. The UDF also claimed Thrissur. After a tough fight and a scare it retained two corporations - Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. However, UDF has an edge in municipalities and panchayats.

 

 

The left looks at some of the silver linings. "It is evenly poised. Yes the UDF has had some unexpected victories. We will have a thorough analysis as to what went wrong," said M A Baby, State Education minister. With just six months left for the assembly elections in the state the LDF is clearly on the back foot. Factionalism, the anti-incumbency factor and a leaner alliance have led to this loss of face.

 

The Left has been hammered out in its biggest citadel outside Bengal. It should be a rude wake up call for the Left. The final will be in May 2011. In today’s verdict the Congress has sensed an opportunity and it will not let go of it. With Bengal also on the brink, there are many question marks on what’s in store for the CPM and its allies.