Bypoll will evaluate UDF rule: Oommen Chandy
Aruvikkara a test for Opposition which ‘blocks development’, says Chief Minister
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy undertook a day-long campaign in Aruvikkara on Thursday stressing that the election would be an evaluation of the UDF government as well as that of the LDF.
Mr Chandy was in a jubilant mood when he kicked off the campaign at Kallumkudi tribal hamlet in Vithura a day after the cabinet had cleared the Vizhinjam project in favour of Adani Group.
He said Mr K. S. Sabarinathan was a consensus candidate and that those who opposed him would also join the campaign eventually. He had experience in handling the issues faced by tribals, Mr Chandy said.
“Sabarinathan is an acceptable candidate for the people and he will win with a good majority. The Congress and the other UDF partners are united. Those who believe in democracy wants the UDF to win in this by-election which will be an evaluation of the four years of the UDF government,” he said.
He took a dig at the Opposition saying that when they tried to block developmental activities, the UDF went ahead with ‘care and development.’
Mr Chandy visited the tribal settlement colonies at Vithura, Kottur and Podiyakala for the first time. He had to change to a front engine jeep to negotiate steep roads many times.
When his motorcade was stopped for short breaks, the tribals gave him food consisting of tapioca, crushed chilly plus fried fresh water fish.
He also attended over half a dozen family meetings in the presence of local people. Senior Congress leader A. K. Antony will conduct a road show in the constituency on June 23 and 24.