The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), announced Sunday that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) will make household poverty eradication the cornerstone of its campaign for the upcoming local body elections.
M.V. Govindan, CPI(M) State secretary, further sweetened the deal by suggesting an increase in the monthly social welfare pension from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500. However, this hike is contingent on the Union government lifting its “financial embargo” on Kerala and releasing the ₹2 lakh crore in federal funds constitutionally due to the state.
Govindan emphasized that eradicating poverty in Kerala is an achievable goal, citing NITI Aayog figures that place the state’s poverty rate at a mere 0.5%. He drew a sharp contrast with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-governed Uttar Pradesh, where he claimed approximately 28% of the population struggles with daily deprivations like homelessness, lack of employment, inadequate education, absence of piped drinking water, electricity, healthcare, proper sanitation, and a functional rationing system.
He highlighted the significant role played by United Democratic Front (UDF)-controlled local bodies – district panchayats, corporations, municipalities, and grama panchayats – in the ongoing, non-political community-driven initiative against extreme poverty. This extensive effort involves hundreds of thousands of volunteers, including Kudumbashree workers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, and local residents’ associations.
The LDF, he affirmed, plans to adopt this successful, inclusive model to eliminate poverty across Kerala. “This widespread people’s movement for poverty eradication will seamlessly integrate with the LDF’s local body election campaign,” Govindan stated.
Govindan refuted claims by Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan that the LDF eradicated poverty with a “magic wand,” asserting that it was a result of sustained effort.
He shared an anecdote about the Congress-led Ernakulam district panchayat, which was reportedly frustrated by an inability to declare the district poverty-free due to a minor anomaly concerning a single beneficiary. “The Cabinet swiftly intervened, resolving the issue and allowing Ernakulam, the Opposition leader’s home district, to be part of the November 1 declaration,” he explained.
Coalition Finalizes Election Strategy
LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan confirmed that the ruling coalition has finalized its seat-sharing arrangements and officially launched its local body election campaign. He asserted that the LDF’s campaign would focus on the government’s impressive achievements and its overarching vision for a modern, poverty-free society powered by a knowledge-based economy. Ramakrishnan emphasized that social welfare and development would be prioritized over divisive provincial and national political debates in the upcoming local elections. “Issues of livelihood and progress will undoubtedly overshadow sensational political mudslinging and petty politicking,” he declared.