Palakkad (Kerala), Nov 25 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan, confidently proclaimed on Tuesday that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set to achieve a significant victory in the forthcoming local body elections. This optimism is fueled by widespread public dissatisfaction with the current ruling coalition, thorough organizational strategies, and a well-defined set of alternative policy initiatives.

Satheesan stated, "We are approaching the elections not just with critiques, but with solid, research-based solutions to address Kerala’s urgent issues." The local body elections are scheduled to take place over two days: Phase 1 on December 9 and Phase 2 on December 11, with results expected on December 13.

He emphasized that elections should foster meaningful discussions instead of mere rhetoric, aiming for the UDF to serve as a forum for democratic dialogue that supports everyday citizens.

"We will bring the government before the people by presenting a comprehensive charge sheet detailing nine-and-a-half years of purported failures. This document, which addresses financial distress, administrative failures, and the collapse of the health sector, will be distributed to every household," he added.

According to Satheesan, Kerala’s economy is nearing a crisis, with public debt approaching Rs 6 lakh crore, a situation he described as unprecedented in the state's history.

"We have devised a credible plan to rejuvenate the economy should we be elected. The healthcare system in Kerala is critically weakened, facing shortages of essential medicines and surgical tools in hospitals. For the first time, the Opposition has established a Health Commission and convened a Health Conclave, bringing together nearly 300 medical professionals to formulate a policy to be released in January," he continued.

He noted that higher education is experiencing a brain drain, with students leaving for opportunities abroad.

The UDF’s Higher Education Conclave, which included global scholars, has generated a draft policy currently under discussion across universities, with outcomes to be announced next month.

Among the UDF's key pledges is the ambition to transform Kerala into a zero-waste state, implement scientific strategies to tackle the stray dog issue, overhaul the Ashraya poverty alleviation program, and revamp Kudumbashree to empower women economically.

Satheesan reported that the UDF has completed extensive groundwork, establishing ward committees, conducting door-to-door campaigns, and leading voter registration initiatives.

He dismissed any potential alliances with the CPI-M or the BJP, asserting that the UDF intends to contest independently and achieve a significant win.