O J’s Corner

Pre-election throbbings

Pre-election times offer throbbing opportunities for restructuring within or looking for other options or for complete changes as far as political entities are concerned. Everywhere the look-out is for space in the ruling dispensation.

We have before us the Lok Sabha elections to be held early next year, or this year-end, if political situation engenders advancement of the poll schedule.

In Kerala, the Lok Sabha elections would be thrilling. Last time, the LDF cornered all but one of the 20 seats. CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechury has hinted that there may not be such a sweep this time. Usually, the Commies root for all the 20, even if circumstances present a different scenario Hard luck is looming large before the LDF, as opportunities were mismanaged on several counts. Anti-incumbency factor, clashes of interest on various issues, people’s feelings of helplessness and the like would contribute to a negative result for the LDF, it seems.

If there is a sweep for the UDF, which looks more or less possible, there would be strong under-currents working against the V S Achuthanandan Government. Calls for a change of leadership at the governmental level could be raised. There would be furious counter campaigns as well.

The coming months would provide interesting and at then same time agonising times for the UDF as well as LDF.