In a strategic move that has left the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) uneasy, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is making headlines with his month-long Navakerala Sadas tour across all assembly constituencies. This tour, aimed at addressing public grievances and gauging opinions, follows Vijayan’s successful implementation of free food kits during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the Left Democratic Front’s victory in the 2021 assembly polls.
The Navakerala Sadas tour, initiated on November 18 from Manjeshwaram in Kasaragod district, has already covered Kasaragod and Kannur, with an end date set for Thiruvananthapuram on December 24. Despite the tour gaining momentum, the UDF has dismissed it as a “politically motivated extravaganza” during challenging times for the state.
Congress leaders have criticized the use of a ‘luxury bus’ for the tour, accusing Vijayan of diverting attention from pressing issues such as pension payments and arrears to retired state employees. In response, Vijayan invited the media to inspect the bus, emphasizing transparency and refuting claims of extravagance.
The UDF’s attempt to delegitimize the tour faced resistance, with Left-affiliated activists allegedly confronting Congress workers who protested against Vijayan’s bus in Kannur.
Vijayan defended the tour, stating, “Our tour is not an extravaganza. If the Opposition is disheartened, it’s their problem since they are not interested in building a new Kerala but in ruining the state.”
With over 25,000 grievance petitions received in the covered districts, Vijayan asserted that the tour aims to improve government delivery and address public concerns directly. The initiative has garnered public participation and support, with Vijayan emphasizing that his government is not driven by public relations but by genuine governance.
As the Navakerala Sadas continues, Vijayan’s dual focus on preparing for the Lok Sabha polls and identifying administrative gaps for future elections is apparent. The UDF’s concerns and attempts to discredit the tour may not have the intended impact, as Vijayan remains focused on connecting with the people at the grassroots level.
In this unprecedented statewide cabinet tour, Pinarayi Vijayan aims to strengthen both his party and government for the upcoming elections, with the Left Democratic Front eyeing success in the general elections where all 20 parliamentary constituencies from Kerala are crucial for the Congress’ national prospects against the BJP-led government.
