UDF steals the march, LDF looks up to VS Achuthanandan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF has clearly stolen a march over its rivals in the electoral battle in Aruvikkara if its convention in Aryanad on Saturday is  any indication.

Since morning, all roads in Aryanad led to V.K. Auditorium, the venue of the convention. Traffic moved at a snail’s pace outside the auditorium with workers thronging the roads making it difficult even for the vehicles carrying leaders to find their way.

The entire auditorium, including balcony, was chock-a-block with supporters well ahead of the arrival of CWC member A.K. Antony and other UDF leaders.  A huge applause erupted as the star campaigner  walked in accompanied by others.

UDF candidate K.S. Sabarinathan sought the blessings from Mr Antony touching his feet amidst huge cheers.

The next big applause was reserved for Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Despite serious allegations facing  him, his office and his cabinet colleagues, the chief minister continues to be the darling of UDF workers.

The mood became sombre when Karthikeyan’s wife M.T. Sulekha entered the auditorium and took a seat behind the front row of top leaders on the dais, followed by one-minute silence observed for the departed leader.

Every time Karthikeyan’s name was mentioned by the speakers, the crowd responded with a big cheer. Sensing the mood of the audience, leaders,  including Mr Antony, devoted much time praising the development initiatives of the former Speaker.

Many attending the convention said it was three times bigger  than the LDF meeting inaugurated by CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on June 3. If the body language of LDF workers was tepid, the mood in the UDF convention was clearly upbeat.

The difference was quite evident.  During the LDF meeting,  only NCP state president Uzhavoor Vijayan received the maximum applause because of his funny side, but at the UDF meeting almost all top leaders were  cheered by the activists indicating the involvement of the workers on the ground.

The UDF convention comes as warning to the LDF to pull up its socks. Many in the Left camp hope to cover the lost ground by bringing in Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan for campaigning on Monday.

Besides galvanising the workers, the convention also boosted the confidence of  Mr  Sabarinathan who was seen taking tips from senior leaders. He received the money for security deposit from freedom fighter Chittadi Sreedharan.

Though a sympathy wave seems to be lashing the constituency at this stage, the big question is whether the UDF will be able to sustain it till June 27, voting day.  Political observers say that the LDF, with its organisational capabilities, can make it a tight  contest.