Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 5 (NationPress) Former president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, M.M. Hassan, asserted on Friday that the forthcoming local body elections are set to instigate substantial political shifts in Kerala, mirroring what he termed a growing public discontent towards the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.

Hassan, who also served as a State Minister, launched a pointed critique against the ruling Left Front, accusing them of extensive corruption, administrative inefficiency, and a failure to foster any significant developmental progress over the last decade.

He claimed that the current administration has not introduced a single innovative initiative that could enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Moreover, he suggested that the government has achieved an unprecedented record in exploiting worshippers and mismanaging temple affairs.

Referring to the recent scandal involving the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple, Hassan criticized the government for its apparent reluctance to hold those responsible accountable.

He further alleged that there is a widespread belief among the public that individuals in higher echelons of power might also be implicated, beyond those who have already been detained.

"The government fears taking action due to possible implications for influential individuals," Hassan remarked.

He added that occurrences like these have significantly undermined public trust in the administration's integrity and accountability.

In a striking observation, Hassan contrasted the genuine devotion of average believers with what he described as the greed of those in power.

"While devotees chant 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa', the comrades seem more inclined to utter 'Swarnam' (meaning gold in Malayalam)," he stated, alleging that the Left has reduced revered institutions to mere opportunities for financial gain.

Hassan declared that those who pilfer the deity's property should be exiled from the land.

He argued that the escalating discontent among devotees, along with the government's failure to adequately address these issues, could greatly impact voting behaviors.

According to him, the local body elections will not only determine local governance but could also transform the overall political landscape of the state.

Kerala's local body polls are scheduled in two phases: on December 9, all districts up to Thrissur will cast their votes, while the rest will follow on December 11, with all results being tallied on December 13.