Cong move may change LDF-UDF poll dynamics in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After alienating orthodox Hindus in the Sabarimala issue, the CPM-led LDF has been actively strategizing for consolidating the minority votes in the state. Soft pedalling the implementation of SC verdict in Orthodox-Jacobite church case, move to withdraw draft Church Act and the statement by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan about a quid pro quo deal between Congress and BJP were all part of that strategy.
With one masterstroke, the Congress-led UDF has taken the fizz out of that. If Rahul Gandhi contests as Congress candidate in a predominantly Muslim constituency, it will help a lot in reinforcing the faith of minority communities in the Congress.
Constituencies such as Kannur, Kozhikode and Vadakara, which are adjacent to Wayanad, will also benefit from Gandhi’s entry. Congress is fighting a neck and neck battle against CPM in these constituencies and the vigour passed to party workers here from Rahul’s electrifying campaign will be a major push for the UDF. Though Rahul is unlikely to spend more than a day or two in Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi may station here for a few more days and use that period to campaign for other UDF candidates in the state too.
The CPI has decided not to compromise on their campaign in Wayanad. KPCC former president V M Sudheeran has asked the CPI to withdraw their candidate P P Suneer from the contest as a message of solidarity for the fight to oust BJP government at the Centre. But, that argument hasn’t gone down well with the Left leaders here. The question mooted by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the message sent across by Rahul, through his fight against the Left, is their answer to the Congress’s demand to withdraw candidate. Balakrishnan’s argument that Rahul is fleeing Amethi fearing defeat is pooh-poohed by Congress leaders. “The fact is that Amethi is a safer seat this time than in 2014. Last time, Rahul had to fight Smriti Irani and BSP. Now, BSP along with SP is supporting him. Also, Irani’s greatest advantage was the Modi wave last time and there is no such element now,” said a senior Congress leader.
Now, the Left will have to redefine its campaign strategy. Though the economic policies of Congress are opposed by the CPM and CPI along with the economic policies of BJP, they may need to step up the attack against Congress. Whatever may be the necessity postpoll, the Left parties need to place Congress as their prime enemy here in the pre-poll phase to ensure that they win maximum seats and thus reach a bargaining position.