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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 19 (IANS) Opposition leader VD Satheesan-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on Wednesday launched a strong attack on the ruling Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government as it launched the UDF’s local body election campaign in Kerala.
The senior Congress leader declared that this election would serve as a moral test, giving people a chance to assess the government’s misgovernance.
“The UDF will release its manifesto in Kochi on November 24, starting with a detailed chargesheet on the failures of the Kerala government, followed by a road map for genuine decentralization and development,” Satheesan said.
Satheesan accused the Kerala government of unprecedented corruption, particularly highlighting the shocking Sabarimala gold theft case involving the decorative assets of the idol chamber such as door panels and Dwarapalaka idols.
They alleged that the crime was committed in 2019 with the knowledge of political leaders, including current and former Devaswom ministers, and that fake molds were used to replace the original gold-coated artefacts.
He claimed that if the investigation proceeded honestly, the three former Devaswom board chairmen could face imprisonment.
On the economic front, Satheesan said, “The state is drowning in a debt of over Rs 4.5 lakh crore – including Rs 20,000 crore in KIIFB liabilities and Rs 13,000 crore from pension companies. The government is borrowing to pay salaries and pensions, while welfare projects and infrastructure commitments are collapsing. According to the Comptroller and Auditor, Satheesan said, only 5 per cent of the borrowed amount is used for development. Was used for.” General’s conclusions.
Satheesan accused the government of leading the highest inflation in India, with prices of essential commodities rising by 150-200 percent, and coconut oil inflation reaching 400 percent.
He criticized the failure of the state to intervene in markets or provide adequate support to cooperatives.
He further said that Kerala’s proud achievements in health and education have deteriorated significantly, government hospitals lack even basic supplies, medical colleges are facing shortage of supplies, and infectious diseases are spreading without proper study or control measures.
In higher education, he highlighted the leadership crisis, with universities short of vice-chancellors and 66 colleges without principals, while old courses remain unchanged.
Agriculture is deteriorating, he said, with paddy rotting due to failed procurement, rubber crisis, rampant wild animal attacks and no climate rehabilitation plan.
Coastal communities, SC/ST housing projects and fishermen have been left out, he said.
Accusing the government of turning Kerala into a “narcotics capital” and suppressing local self-government funds, he said only 25.62 per cent of the plan funds were released, with SC/ST allocations drastically cut.
Satheesan concluded by saying that the UDF would present clear plans in contrast to the government which, “in nine and a half years, did nothing but campaign,” and predicted a decisive people’s decision in the upcoming elections.
–IANS
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