The outcome of the upcoming local body elections will serve as a direct assessment of the State government’s performance, KPCC president Sunny Joseph has said here on Sunday.
Speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ event organised by the Kollam Press Club, he criticised the CPI(M) for being reluctant to acknowledge the polls as a genuine evaluation of their governance.
Mr. Joseph highlighted the disciplined approach of the UDF to the elections noting, however, that the Front had to contend with challenges like politically motivated ward restructuring and irregularities in the voters’ list.
He further accused the CPI(M) of using intimidation tactics in various locations to suppress opposition, citing the case of Vyshna, a candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, who could only contest following the intervention of the High Court. “If they believe they can win the election through the misuse of power that will not happen,” he said.
Turning to the local context, Mr. Joseph stated that the public sentiment against the anti-people governance of the Kollam Corporation would be reflected in the results. He stressed that voters are seriously concerned about unresolved municipal issues, particularly water scarcity and waste management. “The public is discussing the government’s anti-people policies, the deterioration of the health and education sectors, rising commodity prices, and the controversy surrounding the Sabarimala gold theft. CPI(M) may have sought central support to cover up the gold smuggling case. But we will not tolerate any attempts to cover up the Sabarimala gold theft just like the gold smuggling case was suppressed,” he said.
Published – November 23, 2025 08:53 pm IST
