Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 19 (NationPress) The 16th and concluding session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly is set to commence on Tuesday, featuring a traditional address by Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar. This session is anticipated to be among the most contentious in recent times.

With Assembly elections approaching in April - May, this session serves as the last formal political arena before the State fully transitions into election mode.

Currently, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) enters this session with considerable momentum, following a significant defeat of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the December local body elections. This outcome has revitalized the Opposition, which is actively criticizing what it perceives as the accumulated failures of nearly a decade under Left governance.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who first took office in 2016 and made history by securing a second consecutive term for the LDF in 2021, is now steering through turbulent political waters. With only weeks remaining until the next electoral contest, Vijayan is concentrating on damage control and narrative management.

The recent CPI(M) Central Committee meeting has endorsed his leadership for both the party and the Left Front’s campaign, thereby reinforcing his authority at this crucial moment. However, at the age of 80 and dealing with recurring health issues, there are concerns about how effectively he can traverse all 14 districts during this intense campaign period.

These worries are expected to be echoed on the Assembly floor, where the Opposition perceives an opportunity to maintain relentless pressure. As this is the final session of the term, intense debates are guaranteed.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has already established himself as a considerably tougher challenger than his predecessors, breaking away from the stereotype of a passive Opposition.

Over the past five years, Vijayan and Satheesan have frequently clashed, creating some of the most gripping moments in recent Assembly history — often leaving both Treasury and Opposition benches in astonishment.

The upcoming weeks promise to deliver more of this dynamic.

Although the session is slated to continue until March, it may be truncated once the Election Commission issues the electoral notification. Until then, the Assembly is unlikely to experience any dull moments.

Additionally, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal is expected to present his sixth consecutive Budget on January 29, a document that will be closely examined as the Left’s last significant policy declaration before facing the electorate.