Bhatti attacks LDF record in Kerala, promises good governance

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Saturday appealed to voters in Kerala to elect candidates backed by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the forthcoming Assembly elections, saying it was necessary to restore welfare delivery, good governance and secular administration in the State.

Campaigning in the Pathanamthitta constituency and other parts of Kerala, Mr. Vikramarka alleged that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Pinarai Vijayan had failed to honour the assurances made during the previous elections and that governance standards had declined sharply.

“The CPI-M has no fear of god or the people. They disrespected Lord Ayyappa, the deity of Sabarimala; and they humiliate and threaten the people of Kerala. God and people are going to punish them in the election,” he said in the district where the shrine is located. 

He cited allegations of irregularities related to the Sabarimala temple, rising unemployment and large-scale migration of young people abroad in search of jobs. Senior citizens, he said, were being ignored and denied adequate social security support.

Kerala, once known for its secular ethos, high literacy and humanistic traditions, was no longer reflecting those values, he said. Accusing the ruling Left of abandoning communist and Marxist principles, Mr. Vikramarka claimed that political violence and ‘goondaism’ had taken their place. In contrast, he said, Congress ideology stood for peace, secularism and accountable governance.

Referring to Telangana, he said the Congress government had implemented most of its election promises within two years. As Finance Minister, he was prepared to place detailed accounts in the public domain. He invited critics to visit the State and examine the implementation of welfare schemes first-hand.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gidugu Rudraraju and other party leaders were present at the meetings.