PM Modi began the BJP-led NDA’s assembly election campaign in Thiruvananthapuram, linking the party’s recent civic victory in the state capital to what he called growing public trust in the BJP.
Announcement came after Kerala Congress (M) chief Jose K Mani pledged his support to the ruling Left front amid conjecture about his party returning to UDF.
In recently concluded local body polls, voting patterns in Muslim- and Ezhava-dominated regions suggest different story. However, CPI(M) says the communities were misguided by UDF & BJP.
Fresh after its victory in the local body polls, the UDF is already discussing Assembly poll strategy, including a march in February. It has also inducted two parties as associates.
Kerala local body polls being seen as a precursor to assembly election next year, see ruling Left suffer major setbacks with BJP making breakthrough in state capital.
Coming just months before assembly elections, due by April next year, local body polls in the state this week are crucial, with parties looking to secure momentum-building performances.
UDF has been raising the matter in the assembly with banners reading 'temple thieves'. Experts say it could be an opportunity for UDF to gain support LDF got after its Sabarimala conclave.
Opposition calls it issue-based support, analysts say one decision not enough to move the electorally significant Nair Service Society towards the LDF.
Armenia has procured significant defence equipment from India, including artillery guns, multi-barrel rocket launchers, air defence system, sniper rifles, weapons locating radars, anti-drone weapons.
The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.
Dr Shashi Tharoor could well be singing, Duniya ke mele kam na honge, Afsos hum na honge.