The Hindu 13.10.2010
Keen contest on the cards for Aluva municipality
G. Krishnakumar
Both fronts exuded confidence of having the trust of the 25, 000 voters spread over 26 wards.
KOCHI: Aluva municipality is witnessing a keen contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the rival United Democratic Front (UDF) in the election to the local bodies on October 25.
Battle lines are drawn and both fronts exuded confidence of having the trust of the nearly 25, 000 voters spread over 26 wards. While the LDF is trying to regain power, the UDF hopes to make a comeback this time. Even though both the camps claim that there is a definitive tilt towards them in the run-up to the elections, the leaders are keeping their fingers crossed on the electoral verdict.
The LDF had edged past UDF in the elections held in 2005 by winning 13 out of the 23 wards. UDF could manage nine seats while an independent candidate won the remaining seat. In the elections held in 2000, the UDF had a cakewalk after it won 15 seats (total 21 wards) while the LDF could manage only six seats. Both the fronts have shifted the campaign into top gear stating that it will improve the majority compared to the last elections. Congress has fielded candidates in all the 26 wards while the CPI (M) has fielded independents in 18 wards. CPI has extended its support to five independent candidates.
Stating that the ruling LDF had implemented various pro-people measures during its five-year stint, Smitha Gopi, the outgoing chairperson, said that the front could resolve the garbage menace by initiating the Rs. 45 lakh (initial cost) decentralised plant at Nalam mail. The general market was modernised using the Rs. 2.5 crore Central assistance, she said.
Elaborating on other projects, Ms. Gopi said that a shopping complex was set up at bank junction. Repair of damaged roads was carried out by setting up a special fund. A beautification project was implemented at Sivarathri manappuram by earmarking Rs. 31 lakh. Other welfare measures included a comfort station and dormitory at the private bus stand and social forestry scheme at manappuram.
Rejecting the development claims being made by the LDF, V. P. George, Opposition leader, said that the failure of the LDF in tackling the garbage menace is the main campaign point of the UDF. Explaining that the ruling front could only set up the windrow compost plant a month before the announcement of the elections, Mr. George said that garbage collection has come to a halt in the municipality.
Mr. George said that the LDF could not generate internal resources for implementing various projects. The renovation of the general market was done using the funds allotted by the Centre. Mr. George also said that the LDF could not ensure the proper development of the manappuram besides failing to check waterlogging in the region.
