Pala effect will spread: Kerala CM

Alappuzha: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday expressed confidence that victory in Pala would reflect in the upcoming byelections.

Inaugurating the Aroor Assembly constituency election convention at Chandiroor, he said Pala reflected the change of people's mindset toward the LDF.

“The UDF was confident in Pala because they thought it was their bastion," he said. "Many portrayed it as a referendum on the LDF government. But LDF ended the UDF's supremacy of 54 years in Pala."

He said the LDF had gained the upper hand in the byelections since 2016.

“The state had witnessed by-polls in Vengara, Chengannur and Pala. The LDF retained Chengannur with an increased majority, wrested Pala and increased the vote share in Vengara," he said.

"In the meantime, the vote share of both the UDF and BJP has decreased. This is a trend visible across the state."

He also criticised the Union government for the poor state of the economy, on which both the NITI Ayog vice-chairman and Reserve of India governor have raised concerns.

"A large number of people in automobile and other sectors have lost jobs. This has reduced purchasing power. Even Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh is forced to organise protests. The wrong policies of the present BJP and previous Congress governments are responsible for this,” he said.

Mr Vijayan said that the Congress had failed to stand up to the BJP and instead become its B-team.

"It has failed on the Kashmir issue, attack on minorities and Dalits and various other issues,” he said.

“The Congress is a divided house. But by standing with people, taking up issues and organising protests on matters concerning people, the LDF has become a real alternative.”