Idukki: As the results of the local body elections were announced on Saturday, early trends indicated a major setback for the Left Democratic Front (LDF), triggering controversy over remarks made by a senior leader of the ruling CPM.

Ruling CPM MLA MM Mani said people who benefited from state government welfare measures, including pensions, had voted against the Left despite receiving support.

“After taking pensions of good rates and eating properly, it feels like they have nicely turned against us,” Mani told the media in Idukki.
Questioning the outcome, Mani also asked whether Kerala had ever witnessed such extensive development works, including roads, bridges and welfare schemes, before the LDF came to power.

The remarks were widely seen as insulting to voters and the general public.