The result of the upcoming local body elections will serve as a direct assessment of the state government’s performance, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said here on Sunday.
Speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ event organized by the Kollam Press Club, he criticized the CPI(M) for its reluctance to accept polls as a true assessment of its governance.
Highlighting the UDF’s disciplined approach to elections, Mr. Joseph noted that the Front, however, had to contend with issues such as politically motivated constituency restructuring and irregularities in the electoral roll.
He further accused the CPI(M) of using intimidation tactics at various places to quell the opposition, citing the case of Vysna, a candidate from Thiruvananthapuram who could contest only after the Supreme Court intervened. “If they believe they can win an election by abusing their power, it’s not going to happen,” he said.
On the local context, Mr. Joseph said the results will reflect the public sentiment against the anti-people governance of the Kollam Corporation. He emphasized that voters are seriously concerned about unresolved communal issues, especially water shortages and waste management. “The public is discussing the government’s anti-people policies, deteriorating health and education, rising commodity prices and the Sabarimala gold theft controversy. The CPI(M) may have sought central support to cover up the gold smuggling case. But we will not tolerate any attempt to cover up the Sabarimala gold theft case, as well as the gold smuggling case.
Published – 23 Nov 2025 20:53 IST
