LDF getting more on the defensive with flood report

Thiruvananthapuram: Only three weeks left for Lok Sabha elections,  in the heat of summer the flood is once again turning to be a headache for LDF and government of Kerala.  The report by Amicus Curiae, which says a lapse in dam management led to last year’s devastating flood, will become a political weapon for UDF in Lok Sabha elections.

The flood that happened in August 2018 led to a death toll of 483.   It affected 55 lakh people in 981 villages of Kerala.  The rescue efforts led directly by the chief minister  won national and international recognition.  But opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala continuously alleged the mismanagement of dams led to the flood.  Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Ramesh Chennithala went head to head many times over this.

However, later on the Sabarimala issue and the election pulled the flood out of the focus.

The report,  prepared on the orders of Kerala High Court while considering petitions holding the government responsible,   will get LDF more on the defense especially in the Lok Sabha constituencies of flood affected districts.  LDF had earlier resisted similar criticisms with flood reports of IITs and Central Waater Commission. However,  it will not be easy to resist the questions over Amicus Curiae report,  and the party would now rather desist from making public responses to the report.

Flood is striking LDF again, at the same time they are trying to resist the impact Rahul Gandhi brings to Kerala by his candidacy in Wayanad.  Congress will try to tie downPinarayi Vijayan, who is leading the election campaign against them,  using this report.

The entry of Rahul Gandhi will also affect LDFs plans to consolidate minority votes by showing their stand against BJP. UDF is expecting the impact of Rahul Gandhi’s road show in Kalpetta to be felt  in all 20 constituencies of Kerala.