LDF gears to face upcoming local body polls

Thiruvananthapuram: Unveiling its strategy for the coming civic elections in the State, CPI-M-led LDF opposition Monday said it would go for local adjustments with groups, organisations and individuals that oppose Congress and BJP.

The manifesto would be prepared at the district levels by October 10 and district LDF committee meeting would be completed by this month end, LDF Convener Vaikom Viswam told reporters after a meeting of the front leaders.

"LDF will have co-operation with organisations, groups and individuals that oppose BJP and Congress at the local level," Viswam said while explaining the front's strategy in facing the Civic polls to be held in November.

"LDF will face the polls unitedly. LDF's political battle would be on the slogan against corruption, communalism and anti-people policies of the state and Central governments," he said.

The local bodies elections in the state are slated to be held in November, a month behind schedule.

Attacking the economic policy of the BJP-led NDA, he alleged that the Centre had 'sabotaged' the national rural employment guarantee scheme introduced by UPA-I.

"There is a reduction of Rs 12,000 crore to the scheme and Rs 10,000 crore in welfare programmes of women and children," he charged.

Referring to Vyapam scam, he alleged the BJP which came to power with slogan that corruption would be eradicated has become masters of corruption.

Criticising the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala, he claimed the total debt of the state had reached Rs 1,34,000 crore in its four-year rule.

Besides this, government also planned to take another Rs 24,000 crore loan. Government failed to check fall in prices of rubber and other cash crops and raise in prices of essential commodities, he said.

UDF government destroyed the achievements of the state in education and health sector, he charged.