UDF Launches 'Puthu Yuga Yatra' as People's Movement Against LDF Rule in Kerala
In a significant political development, Opposition leader V D Satheesan announced on Thursday that the United Democratic Front's (UDF) 'Puthu Yuga Yatra,' commencing on Friday from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, will serve as a transformative people's movement. The primary objective is to reclaim Kerala from what he described as a decade of misrule under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
Beyond Conventional Politics: A Platform for Direct Engagement
Addressing the media, Satheesan emphasized that this yatra, which he will lead, transcends traditional political marches typically held ahead of assembly elections. Instead, it aims to establish a direct and meaningful dialogue with the citizens of Kerala. "This will be a historic people's movement that listens to citizens and incorporates their suggestions to lead Kerala into a new era," he declared, confidently asserting that the populace will decisively reject the current LDF administration.
Allegations of Authoritarian Governance and Economic Mismanagement
Satheesan launched a scathing critique of the LDF government, accusing it of adopting a "far-right, fascist mindset" reminiscent of the Modi-led BJP regime, despite projecting a leftist image. He identified the absence of effective administration as Kerala's most pressing challenge, highlighting a severe governance deficit that has plagued the state.
He alleged that over the past ten years, critical sectors have deteriorated significantly:
- Health and Education: Both sectors have seen a marked decline in quality and accessibility.
- Welfare and Development: Activities have suffered due to a profound fund crisis, exacerbated by widespread corruption, fraud, and backdoor appointments.
This economic distress, Satheesan claimed, has placed an undue burden on ordinary citizens through increased taxes and service charges. He cited specific examples to illustrate the rising cost of living:
- A Rs 2 cess on fuel.
- A 20% hike in fair land value.
- Increased prices of subsidized food items.
- A 300% hike in water charges.
- Repeated power tariff revisions since May 2021.
Furthermore, he stated that Kerala has recorded the highest inflation among Indian states for 11 consecutive months and remains under treasury control due to severe financial strain.
Warnings of Mounting Debt and Institutional Decline
Satheesan issued a stark warning about the state's fiscal health, predicting that by the end of the LDF's tenure, Kerala's total debt would balloon to Rs 6 lakh crore. When accounting for arrears owed to government employees and welfare boards, this figure could escalate to a staggering Rs 8 lakh crore.
He also criticized the deteriorating condition of higher education institutions, pointing to an academic decline and an increasing trend of students migrating abroad for better opportunities.
Corruption and Legal Concerns
The opposition leader highlighted specific instances of alleged malpractice, including corruption in national highway construction projects and the controversial granting of parole to CPM-linked criminals. Notably, he mentioned individuals convicted in the TP Chandrasekharan murder case, asserting that such practices must be urgently curbed to restore justice and integrity in governance.
Presenting an Alternative Vision for Kerala
Satheesan concluded by outlining the UDF's strategy for the yatra. It will serve as a platform to present a comprehensive alternative vision for Kerala's future. This vision includes clear and actionable plans to:
- Revive the state's struggling economy.
- Protect and strengthen democratic rights.
- Safeguard Kerala's cherished secular fabric.
The 'Puthu Yuga Yatra' thus positions itself not merely as a political campaign, but as a grassroots movement seeking to address deep-seated issues and chart a new course for the state.
