As Kerala goes to the third and last phase of the polls on Monday to elect the local bodies, a sense of panic has gripped the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF. Both the Fronts have entered into “strategic alliance” with the SDPI, the political wing of the Popular Front of India and the Welfare Party of India of Jamaath-e-Islami respectively. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his message to the party cadre said that despite the efforts of the BJP-led Central Government to spread falsehoods against his Government, the LDF would sweep the polls across the State.

A notable feature of Vijayan’s message was that he has toned down the criticism against the Opposition Congress. “All opposition parties in the country, including the Congress, are being selectively targeted by the BJP Government at the Centre with the help of investigating agencies. They have hoisted false and fake cases against the Opposition and this is a dangerous trend,” alleged Vijayan.

The Chief Minister said he would write to the Prime Minister soon to inform the latter about how investigating agencies like the Enforcement Directorate were harassing honest officials in Kerala. “C M Raveendran, my additional private secretary, a man known for his honesty and integrity, is being targeted by the ED by summoning him for questioning. Despite Raveendran’s illness, they are harassing and threatening him. Raveendran would not run away from the ED,” said Vijayan.

M Sivasankar, the former principal secretary of the Chief Minister has been imprisoned for more than a month now. The ED has reportedly collected details of the ill-gotten asset amassed by Raveendran during the last 15 years. According to ED sources, it has in possession the details of the illegal financial deals of  Raveendran. Though Raveendran, known in Government and party circles as “super chief minister” was issued summons thrice by the ED, he avoided the notices citing health issues.

Interestingly, the BJP, yet to take roots in the State, is in a buoyant mood as the party has fielded Muslim women as candidates in Malappuram district, a predominantly Muslim region. “There are six Muslim women candidates fielded by the BJP-led NDA and this has come as a surprise. All of them are contesting in the Lotus symbol and solicit votes in their own names,” said Siji Karuthedathu, a writer based in Malappuram. He said the BJP has nothing tyo lose while the other two fronts are upset over the developments.

Counting of votes across the State would take place on Wednesday.