‘UDF victory a collective effort’: KPCC President Sunny Joseph after local body poll results

New Delhi: KPCC president Sunny Joseph thanked the people for supporting the United Democratic Front (UDF), saying the victory was the result of a collective effort. He noted that after the 2024 elections, then KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal, and other senior leaders had announced “Mission 2025,” with a focus on strengthening ward committees. That organizational groundwork, he said, laid the foundation for the electoral success.

Joseph said the UDF consistently raised public issues, including agitations against government policies that led to price hikes, the ASHA workers’ strike, and growing unemployment. He added that ward committees were empowered to decide candidates, strengthening grassroots democracy. The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and the UDF convener also contributed to the victory.

He criticised the state government for passing legislation amid the ongoing ASHA workers’ agitation. Under the Panchayati Raj system, the agenda was to refer ward-related matters to a subject committee, but the government proceeded with ward division without adequate discussion, he alleged.

Joseph further alleged serious irregularities in the voters’ list, including instances of multiple and dual voting, particularly in Kozhikode Corporation. He described the ward delimitation as unscientific and raised concerns over the Sabarimala gold theft case, alleging that while several accused were involved, the main ‘conspirator’ had not been arrested. He accused the police of reluctance to take action.

He said the UDF had pointed out what it termed dangerous and undemocratic practices of the current Kerala government and would continue to place these issues before the public. These things made people to trust the party, according to him.

He said the NDA’s win in Thiruvananthapuram was being closely monitored. While the UDF had increased its tally of seats, the party would assess the outcome carefully and strengthen its strategy for the future. He said the victory of K S Sabarinathan and the appointment of K Muraleedharan to oversee party monitoring had boosted confidence, and the leadership expected improved results in the next election.