On Tuesday, V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, declared that the Congress‑led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set for a decisive triumph in the forthcoming local body elections. He attributes this confidence to a surge of public anger at the ruling coalition, meticulous organisational work, and a clear set of alternative policies.
"We are entering the contest not merely with criticism, but with concrete, research‑backed solutions for Kerala’s pressing challenges," Satheesan said.
Kerala will hold its local body polls in two phases—Phase 1 on 9 December and Phase 2 on 11 December—before announcing the results on 13 December.
Satheesan stressed that elections should generate genuine debate rather than empty rhetoric. The UDF aims to turn the elections into a platform for meaningful democratic dialogue that benefits everyday citizens. "We will take the government to the court of the people by presenting a detailed charge sheet outlining nine‑and‑a‑half years of alleged failures. The document covering financial distress, administrative breakdowns and health sector collapse will be delivered to every household," he added.
He warned that Kerala’s economy is at a critical juncture, with public debt nearing Rs 6 lakh crore—an unprecedented level in the state’s history. "We have prepared a credible roadmap to revive the economy if voted to power. Kerala’s healthcare system is on ventilator support, citing shortages of medicines and surgical equipment in hospitals. For the first time, an Opposition has formed a Health Commission and hosted a Health Conclave, involving nearly 300 medical professionals to draft a policy due for release in January," he said.
The opposition pointed out a growing brain drain in higher education, with students moving abroad. The UDF’s Higher Education Conclave, collaborating with global academicians, produced a draft policy currently under review by universities. Its outcome will be announced next month.
Among the UDF’s key promises are turning Kerala into a zero‑waste state, implementing scientific solutions to the stray‑dog problem, re‑structuring the Ashraya poverty‑relief scheme, and revamping Kudumbashree to make women economically independent.
Satheesan reported that the UDF has laid extensive groundwork—forming ward committees, conducting house‑to‑house campaigns, and spearheading voter‑registration drives. He explicitly ruled out any alliance with the CPI‑M or the BJP, affirming that the UDF will contest on its own and expects a sizable victory.
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