AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal releases the UDF manifesto for the Kochi Corporation polls at the Ernakulam District Congress Committee office on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: R.K. Nithin
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the State and the LDF council in Kochi Corporation have shown extreme apathy towards the city, AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal has said.
He was speaking after releasing the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) manifesto for the upcoming corporation elections, which promises to make Kochi “the first total smart city in south India,” on Sunday (November 30, 2025). He said all the major development projects in Kochi were realised by UDF governments during different tenures.
“The people have realised that the LDF has done nothing for the progress of the city, and these sentiments will be reflected in the election results,” Mr. Venugopal said.
The UDF manifesto promises projects to ensure comprehensive development of the city and create an environment for safe living. The commitments include a garbage-free city, an end to the mosquito menace, relief from traffic snarls, and elimination of problems caused by stray dogs.
The manifesto highlights plans to conduct frequent drives against drug abuse in the city. “A comprehensive transport project will be implemented to ensure hassle-free traffic. Roads, flyovers, overbridges, and junction improvements will be carried out after availing long-term loans. The feasibility of implementing a bus rapid transit system on Container Road will also be examined,” the Congress said in a statement.
It said the UDF will find permanent solutions to the uncertainties surrounding the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant. Accusing the State government of failing to set up a modern plant there, the Congress said that work on the compressed biogas (CBG) plant, with a capacity of 150 tonnes at Brahmapuram using CSR funds, was progressing only following the intervention of the Kerala High Court. “The capacity of the CBG plant will be upgraded to 300 tonnes, and a waste-to-energy plant will be set up using appropriate technology to treat non-biodegradable waste,” the party said.
The UDF’s poll promises also include projects to make nightlife in the city more vibrant, establish a world-class museum, modernise abattoirs, and create additional parking spaces.
District Congress Committee president Muhammed Shiyas chaired the meeting, which was attended by Congress leaders including MLAs K. Babu, T.J. Vinod, Uma Thomas, Roji M. John, and Anwar Sadath.
Published – November 30, 2025 08:56 pm IST
