Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 19 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, spearheading the United Democratic Front (UDF), has vehemently criticized the ruling Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government, signaling the commencement of the UDF's local body election campaign in Kerala.

The senior Congress figure stated that this election would act as a moral assessment, enabling citizens to evaluate the government's mismanagement.

“The UDF is set to unveil its manifesto on November 24 in Kochi, starting with a comprehensive chargesheet detailing the Kerala government's failures, followed by a strategic plan for genuine decentralization and development,” Satheesan declared.

He accused the Kerala government of overseeing unparalleled corruption, particularly referencing the alarming Sabarimala gold theft case involving the idol chamber’s decorative assets like door panels and Dwarapalaka sculptures.

According to him, this crime occurred in 2019 with the complicity of political leaders, including both current and former Devaswom Ministers, with fake moulds being used to substitute original gold-coated artifacts.

He asserted that three former Devaswom Board presidents could face jail time if the investigation is conducted transparently.

On the economic front, Satheesan remarked, “The state is drowning in a debt exceeding Rs 4.5 lakh crore — inclusive of Rs 20,000 crore in KIIFB liabilities and Rs 13,000 crore owed to pension companies. The government is borrowing to meet salary and pension obligations, while welfare projects and infrastructural commitments are faltering. A mere 5 percent of the borrowed funds were allocated for development,” stated Satheesan, referencing findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General.

He accused the government of managing the highest inflation rate in India, with essential item prices skyrocketing by 150–200 percent, and coconut oil experiencing a staggering 400 percent inflation.

He criticized the state's inadequate market interventions and insufficient support for cooperatives.

Moreover, he lamented the significant decline in Kerala's once-lauded health and education sectors, with government hospitals lacking even the most basic supplies, medical colleges facing material shortages, and infectious diseases spreading without proper oversight.

In higher education, he pointed out a leadership crisis, with universities lacking vice-chancellors and 66 colleges without principals, while outdated curricula remain unchanged.

Agriculture is on the brink of collapse, with paddy spoiling due to failed procurement, rubber distress, rampant wild animal incursions, and no climate rehabilitation initiatives.

Coastal communities, SC/ST housing projects, and fishermen have been neglected, he claimed.

By accusing the government of transforming Kerala into a “narcotics capital” and stifling local self-government resources, he noted that only 25.62 percent of Plan funds were disbursed, with SC/ST allocations drastically cut.

Satheesan concluded by asserting that the UDF will present clear strategies, contrasting with a government that has, “in nine-and-a-half years, achieved nothing but propaganda,” and forecasted a decisive verdict from the people in the upcoming elections.