Malappuram, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan, a prominent Congress figure, stated on Saturday that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set for a significant triumph in the forthcoming local body elections, which he referred to as a "semi-final" leading up to the Assembly elections.

According to the LoP, there is a strong "anti-government" sentiment emerging across Kerala, driven by public frustration over corruption issues, administrative shortcomings, and widespread dissatisfaction across various sectors.

LoP Satheesan emphasized that the UDF is entering the elections with unparalleled organizational preparedness, having established ward committees a year ahead of schedule and carrying out extensive door-to-door outreach and family gatherings.

This election cycle, the Congress-led UDF is reportedly facing minimal internal conflicts, with a significant decrease in Congress dissenters.

Conversely, the CPI-M is grappling with statewide dissent, as highlighted by LoP Satheesan.

A pivotal aspect influencing the electoral campaign, he noted, is the Kerala government's failure to manage the repercussions of the Sabarimala gold theft.

Two former Presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board, N. Vasu and A. Padmakumar, who are linked to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, are currently incarcerated, yet the CPI-M has not taken any disciplinary measures against them due to fears of further revelations, according to the LoP.

Moreover, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is reportedly under pressure, with the Kerala government trying to postpone arrests until after the elections, claimed Satheesan.

The Opposition leader criticized the LDF government for overseeing an unprecedented rise in prices for eight consecutive months and driving sectors like agriculture, education, and fisheries into turmoil.

"Kerala's economy is in disarray. Even SC/ST students are being denied e-grants. Communities living near forests are left vulnerable to wild animal attacks," Satheesan remarked.

He also condemned the state government's inaction regarding the continuous failures in national highway projects, including a recent incident in Kottiyam within the Kollam district that endangered schoolchildren.

"These are constructions built on corruption. Yet the state refuses to raise a single complaint with the Centre," he alleged, suggesting a covert political alliance between the CPI-M and BJP.

LoP Satheesan refuted Chief Minister Vijayan's allegations regarding the UDF's association with the Welfare Party, instead pointing to decades of CPI-M-Jamaat-e-Islami interactions, referencing editorials, public meetings, and former collaborations.

"Those who have allied with Jamaat-e-Islami for 42 years now question our integrity," he stated.

When asked about party discipline, LoP Satheesan mentioned that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee acted swiftly by expelling an accused leader within 24 hours of a complaint.

"Which other political party in India has demonstrated such integrity?" he challenged, contrasting this with Ministers in the current Cabinet facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

Regarding electoral prospects, LoP Satheesan forecasted UDF victories in eight to nine district panchayats, success in four out of six corporations, and a notable increase in municipal bodies.

"The UDF has effectively shaped the election narrative. Kerala is engaged in discussions about our claims and our alternative strategy. The CPI-M finds itself on the back foot," he said.