The United Democratic Front (UDF) officially kicked off its election campaign in Kerala by commencing the Puthuyuga Yatra from Kasaragod. The yatra, flagged off by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, will traverse all 14 districts of the state, culminating in a grand rally in Thiruvananthapuram on March 7. The Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, emphasized that the yatra symbolizes the initiation of a crucial political battle against the current government’s alleged failures and corruption.
Satheesan highlighted the severe financial crisis gripping Kerala, with the state’s economy struggling, developmental activities halted, and debt projected to reach almost Rs 6 lakh crore by the government’s term end. He expressed concerns over the healthcare system’s precarious state, warning that continued student migration for education could lead to Kerala becoming an aged state in the near future. Additionally, he pointed out challenges in agriculture, coastal regions, wildlife attacks, and the inadequate support for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students.
Unlike traditional election yatras, the Puthuyuga Yatra aims not only to critique the government but also to present a comprehensive vision for Kerala’s future. Satheesan emphasized that the UDF has formulated sector-specific vision documents with expert input over the past two years, focusing on long-term projects aligned with Kerala’s strengths. The yatra will extensively cover topics such as employment generation, healthcare, education, and structural reforms, with a strong commitment to secularism and the defeat of communal politics in the state.
