Political heat rises as elections near in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Assembly elections draw closer, political controversies are heating up in the state. The Chief Minister and the Opposition Leader are engaged in a sharp war of words, with neither side backing down. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also entered the campaign, strongly criticising both the LDF and the UDF. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit the state today, followed by Priyanka Gandhi in the coming days.

The Chief Minister reacted strongly to the UDF’s allegation that the LDF had sought support from the SDPI. He said the LDF does not take opportunistic positions for votes and accused the UDF of trying to mislead the public. Earlier, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had alleged that the Chief Minister personally reached an understanding with the SDPI.

The Chief Minister also mocked Opposition Leader V D Satheesan over his claim that the Oommen Chandy government had provided four lakh houses for the poor. Satheesan hit back by presenting housing figures and accused the Chief Minister of lying. He also challenged the Chief Minister to a public debate.