Thrissur, March 15 (NationPress) Veteran Congress figure Ramesh Chennithala declared on Sunday that the opposition's Congress-led United Democratic Front is thoroughly equipped to tackle the forthcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, asserting that a shift in governance in Kerala is unavoidable.

The Election Commission is set to announce the date for the 140-member Kerala Assembly later today.

While addressing the media in Guruvayur, Chennithala emphasized that the Congress-led coalition stands united and ready for the elections, alleging that the ruling CPI(M) is grappling with an unprecedented internal turmoil.

“The UDF is well-prepared to confront the Assembly elections. We anticipated an earlier notification, and the postponement in announcing the schedule has marginally delayed our candidate selection process,” he remarked.

Regarding the rumors about Members of Parliament participating in the Assembly elections, Chennithala clarified that such decisions would not be made at the state level.

“The decision on whether MPs will run or not will be determined by the party's high command, not in Kerala,” he stated.

Commenting on the potential candidacy of former CPI(M) Minister G. Sudhakaran, he mentioned that the UDF will make an informed decision soon after discussions with its allied parties.

Chennithala indicated that the UDF approaches the elections without either complacency or overconfidence, but he noted that public sentiment clearly indicates a desire for a governmental shift.

He accused the cabinet led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of making several decisions in its final sessions that are solely intended to mislead voters prior to the elections.

“Numerous decisions that have been announced in these concluding cabinet meetings were not made in the past decade. The government is aware that these announcements will not need implementation as they are on the verge of being replaced,” he claimed, alleging that the government is attempting to sway voters through last-minute declarations and extensive promotional campaigns.

He further accused the state of experiencing a significant decline in law and order, stating that criminal organizations and antisocial elements are operating with impunity due to what he termed a failure of police governance.

Chennithala asserted that the CPI(M) in Kerala is undergoing a severe organizational decline, with numerous leaders departing from the party and taking public stances against it.

Despite many individuals vying for party nominations, he affirmed that candidates will be selected through the central election committee, and once the nominees are made public, leaders and supporters across the coalition will rally to secure their success.