Harippad: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that "scams and corruptions" were the hallmark of LDF government in Kerala and called CPM a party lacking ideologies and principles.
Under the LDF rule, Kerala has slipped behind in every sector as CPM was always opposed to "every modern, forward looking development", she said at an election meeting at Harippad, where KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala is contesting.
"In the last five years under LDF rule, Kerala lagged behind. They are steeped in corruption. Scams after scams have taken place. Liquor, land and lottery syndicates are behind the government. They are ruling the rural areas," she said.
CPM was also opposed to all "modern, forward looking" developments she said and recalled how they had resisted introduction of tractors and computers in the past. While India sustained economic growth under the UPA government in spite of the world financial meltdown, Kerala had suffered under LDF rule, Sonia claimed.
Speaking from an area hit by the 2004 tsunami, she said the LDF government had totally neglected even those hit by the natural calamity, not utilising properly the central aid to provide relief to those affected.
"Have they taken care of the people of Kerala? This is a question you have to ask and they have to reply," Sonia said.
"In contrast, UPA had initiated a series of steps for the welfare of various sections of people like farmers, fishermen, plantation labourers, women and anganwadi workers. Rs 500 crore fund was set up to support Self Help Groups," she said.
"If UDF came to power in Kerala, it would be able to utilise the central funds and schemes in a better way for the state," Sonia added.
Addressing an election meeting at Thrissur's Thekkinkadu grounds, Gandhi urged the electorate to use the opportunity to usher in a "much needed change".
Taking potshots at CPM, she said the Marxist party is always behind time. It never moves with time, she said, adding, the Marxist party was wary of innovation. They opposed computers and ridiculed Rajiv Gandhi as "computer boy", she said.
While other states and the Centre have gone much ahead, Kerala had lagged behind. It is due to this lagging behind the youth, agricultural workers and women have suffered, she said.
The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre had extended tremendous support to Kerala all these years. Unlike BJP-led NDA government, "Our government does not look at states differently," she said, adding, the UPA government was interested in Kerala's development.
The International Container Transhipment Terminal at Vallarpadam in Kochi was a landmark project for Kochi. However, despite all support, Kochi has not been able to develop on the IT front on the lines of Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Appealing to the people to vote for UDF, she said, "Coming of UDF will mark a new beginning, a new era of prosperity and well-being for the state. UPA government will support the local government and will work together and our joint effort will ensure each of you will benefit."
Paying rich tributes to late congress leader K Karunakaran, Gandhi said, "We feel his absence today. He was a dynamic Chief Minister and leader who did much for development of the state. His contributions will never be forgotten by the people of the state and the party."
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