Having made an abrupt shift to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) just ahead of the previous local body elections, the Kerala Congress (M) now appears to have firmly consolidated its position within the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led [CPI(M)] coalition as the next local body elections draw near.
Despite speculations at the time that the alliance would not last, the regional party has managed to turn the tide through a series of interventions, ensuring government action on several issues that had strained relations between the Christian community, especially the Catholic Church, and the LDF government.
Munambam issue
From the Land Assignment (Amendment) Act to the Munambam land dispute, the party has played a decisive role in resolving issues on which the Catholic Church had long been at odds with the government, the most recent being the recruitment of teachers to aided schools.
“The government’s acceptance of the Judicial Commission’s report provides Munambam residents with the assurance that they will not be displaced from their land. Steps have also been taken to approve the appointments of thousands of teachers and to ensure timely payment of their salaries. These outcomes reflect the stance taken by the KC(M) and mark a significant victory for the party,” said party chairman Jose K. Mani.
Party’s plan
According to party sources, the recent momentum has given the KC(M) a major boost in its push for a greater share of seats in the upcoming local body elections. “The party has already done the groundwork for its campaign, especially in central Travancore. To counter voter fatigue and a possible anti-incumbency wave, the KC(M) plans to field candidates with strong community roots and family ties, hoping that familiar faces will help regain public trust at the ward level,” said a senior party leader.
Encouraged by the government’s willingness to address its key demands, the KC(M) is now pressing for solutions to other public concerns, including stray dog menace and discrepancies in land fair value assessments.
The leadership is also confident of expanding its footprint by taking over several seats currently held by other LDF constituents, including the Communist Party of India (CPI). “The previous local body elections took place soon after the KC(M) joined the LDF, yet the party made notable gains. This time, with more wards added, we are seeking a larger share,” the leader added.