Election – LDF Seeks Support in Kozhikode Amid Strong Performance Claims
Election – The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has intensified its outreach to voters in Kerala as polling gets underway, with senior CPI(M) leader Elamaram Kareem urging people, especially in Kozhikode district, to back the ruling alliance based on its governance record.
LDF Highlights Progress on Election Promises
Addressing voters ahead of polling, Kareem emphasized that the LDF government has largely delivered on its commitments made during the 2021 Assembly elections. He pointed to the government’s detailed progress report, which claims that a vast majority of the announced programs have either been completed or are in advanced stages of implementation.
According to Kareem, nearly all initiatives outlined in the election manifesto have been acted upon, with only a small portion still underway. He described this level of execution as a rare achievement in contemporary politics, suggesting that it reflects the credibility of the ruling front.
Criticism of Congress Governance Record
Alongside promoting the LDF’s performance, Kareem also criticized the Congress party, questioning its historical record in fulfilling electoral assurances. He referred to earlier slogans focused on poverty and unemployment, arguing that these issues persisted during Congress-led governments.
Kareem further alleged that economic policies during previous administrations favored large corporations, while workers’ rights and welfare did not receive adequate attention. His remarks formed part of a broader attempt to contrast the LDF’s governance approach with that of its political rivals.
Appeal to Voters in Kozhikode
Focusing specifically on Kozhikode, Kareem made a direct appeal to voters to support the LDF in the ongoing elections. He expressed confidence that the electorate recognizes the government’s efforts and achievements over the past term.
He also shared his own voting plan, stating that he would cast his vote at St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School in Devagiri during the morning hours. His statement aimed to encourage voter participation while reinforcing the importance of civic engagement.
Multi-State Polling Underway
Polling for Assembly elections began simultaneously in Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, marking a significant phase in the broader electoral cycle. Kerala is conducting voting in a single phase across all 140 constituencies, while Assam’s elections cover 126 seats and Puducherry’s involve 30 constituencies.
Other states, including Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, are scheduled to vote later in the month. The counting of votes for all participating regions is set to take place on May 4, when the final results will be announced.
Voter Participation and Election Arrangements
Kerala has a substantial electorate, with over 2.69 crore registered voters eligible to participate in the election. This includes approximately 1.38 crore women and 1.31 crore men, along with a small number of voters registered under the third gender category.
A notable feature of this election is the participation of young voters, with more than 4 lakh individuals aged between 18 and 19 casting their ballots for the first time. Additionally, over 2 lakh voters aged above 85 highlight the broad demographic engagement in the electoral process.
To ensure smooth polling, authorities have established more than 30,000 polling stations across the state. A large workforce of trained polling personnel has been deployed to manage operations efficiently and maintain order throughout the voting process.
Election officials have stated that comprehensive arrangements are in place to facilitate voter turnout and ensure transparency. With high stakes and active campaigning, the election outcome is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the region.