PRAGOTI

With less than a week to go for the state assembly polls, there is a renewed surge in favour of the LDF in Kerala. This is indicated not just by the poor turn out at rallies addressed by Sonia Gandhi and A K Antony or the rousing reception LDF campaigners, especially the irrepressible Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan is receiving across the state but by the conspicuous shift in the attitude of sections who had voted against the Left in the last Lok Sabha and Local bodies polls. The realization of the far reaching national and international political implications of a UDF return to power in the state is driving an unexpected late rally by the Left. Whatever may be the outcome of the elections, this political recovery is inspiring for the progressive forces in the state and outside.

"The controversy surrounding the Ponnani constituency in north Kerala has been enlivening the election scene in Kerala for the last two weeks. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has never won this Parliament constituency since 1978. In this context, it is but natural that the well-wishers of the LDF wonder about the reasons behind the present controversy. The issue in Ponnani, as far as the CPI (M) is concerned, is not limited to winning a seat. It is a part of the Party’s strategy that seeks to fundamentally change the balance of political forces in Kerala.",writes CPI(M) Central Committee member T.M.Thomas Issac.