In a significant political development ahead of the Kochi corporation elections, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has leveled serious allegations against the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The LDF has accused the two parties of forming an unholy nexus in four crucial divisions of the corporation.
Mayor Anilkumar's Detailed Allegations
LDF election committee general convener and Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar made these claims during a news conference held on Saturday. He asserted that despite these alleged tactical moves by the opposition, the LDF is poised to secure a comfortable majority in the civic body. Anilkumar provided a division-by-division breakdown of what he termed as a covert understanding.
In Elamakkara South, where the RSS office is situated, Anilkumar claimed that the Congress and BJP have struck a deal. "Congress is seeking votes from BJP supporters based on that agreement," he stated. He pointed out that while the NDA has allotted the seat to its ally BDJS, the BJP is not actively campaigning for its candidate, a stark contrast to previous elections where LDF fought vehemently against the UDF candidate there.
Strategic Silence and Rebel Candidates
Moving to Kaloor North, the location of the VHP headquarters and home to many BJP leaders, the Mayor alleged a puzzling scenario. "Even BJP members don't know who the NDA candidate is," Anilkumar said, highlighting that the Muslim League is contesting for the UDF in that area.
In Kunnumpuram Division, a known stronghold for the RSS and BJP, the seat has again been given to the BDJS. Anilkumar was direct in his assessment: "The aim is to defeat LDF candidate Ambika Sudarshan in Kunnumpuram."
The fourth division, Ponnurunni East, presents another curious case. Anilkumar noted that the UDF did not field a Congress candidate with the party's hand symbol. Instead, Sunitha Dixon, who left the UDF, is the BJP candidate. He questioned why the Congress did not put up a strong candidate against Dixon, suggesting the real competition there is between the LDF and BJP.
A Continuation of Previous Alliances?
Mayor Anilkumar contextualized these alleged moves as a continuation of a broader political trend. He reminded the media that the BJP had previously taken control of a standing committee in the corporation with UDF support. "Congress is facilitating BJP," he alleged, but expressed confidence that the LDF would overcome this challenge.
Adding to the UDF's troubles, Anilkumar pointed out significant internal dissent. He claimed that Congress and UDF are facing a rebel issue more than ever, with around 19 UDF rebels contesting across various corporation divisions. This internal strife, coupled with the alleged understanding with the BJP, paints a picture of a fragmented opposition, according to the LDF's assessment.
Despite the charged allegations of a tactical alliance aimed at defeating the Left front, Mayor M Anilkumar concluded with a note of unwavering confidence. He reaffirmed his belief that the LDF's ground-level connect and governance record will resonate with voters, enabling the front to overcome these political maneuvers and achieve a decisive victory in the Kochi corporation elections.
