UDF starts campaign rallies in Kerala for Assembly polls

The campaigns are aimed at highlighting the govt's achievements in the last four years

Seeking to set aside their differences on various issues, the Congress-led ruling UDF today kickstarted a massive campaign across Kerala mainly to highlight government's achievements in the last four years with a call to work unitedly to return to power in the Assembly polls next year.

Inaugurating the southern zonal rally here, chief minister Oommen Chandy said “if we are united, we will win not only Aruvikkara bypoll due in the next three months, but also civic polls and would come back to power after Assembly polls.”

Development agenda of the government cannot be halted by levelling allegations. Kerala had changed for the better in the last four years as it was able to put into track many of the development projects, which had been awaiting clearance since many years, Chandy said.

During the UDF rule, dream projects like Kochi Metro, SmartCity, Kannur Airport, Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode Light Metro and Vizhinjam Deepsea International Container Terminal were put on track, he said.

In tune with its 'development with care' slogan, the government have also initiated several welfare schemes for the poor. An amount of Rs 700 crore had been disbursed so far to various beneficiaries under 'Karunya Benevolent' fund scheme.

On the solar scam and bar bribery allegations, Chandy said his government would not cover up any charges. "We are ready for any probe. It will be conducted in a transparent and judicious manner," he said.

Taking a dig at the CPI-M led LDF opposition, KPCC president VM Sudheeran said right from CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury to local leaders, everyone was wooing minor partners from the UDF. "They have the right to daydream, but they will not succeed. UDF will be united", he said.

There are differences among the partners of UDF, including JD(U) and RSP on certain issues.

UDF leaders met here yesterday and resolved to bury their differences and decided to give a united fight to CPI-M-led LDF Opposition in the coming polls.

As part of putting an end to the slanging match in Congress, senior party leaders Chandy, Sudheeran and Ramesh Chennithala met CWC member AK Antony last night and held discussions.