Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president V.M. Sudheeran is all set to launch his month-long Janapaksha Yatra from Kumbla in Kasaragod on Tuesday, amid high expectations that he will be able to change the quality of politics and political debate in the State.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Mr. Sudheeran said the yatra was being held in the context of the adverse public perceptions about politicians, who had been downgraded to power-pedlars. The themes chosen for his month-long campaign across 140 Assembly constituencies focused on political and social issues that required immediate attention.
Main focusWith the anti-liquor theme as its main focus, the yatra will focus on people’s participation in the social and political development of the State. The yatra will also seek to promote democratic secular precepts in the context of the attempts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to create a communal polarisation. It would also seek to generate public opinion against the cult of political violence and murders practiced’’ by the BJP and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Other issues
The other issues that the month-long campaign will focus will be waste management, excessive use of pesticides, water pollution, and health issues. “The campaign will progress on a positive note and attempt to focus on the need to change the quality of life of the people of Kerala,” he said.
Bribery charge
Mr. Sudheeran refused to mix the current row over bribes for renewing liquor bar licences, involving a senior leader belonging to a coalition partner.
“The United Democratic Front has already taken the necessary steps on the basis of the allegations. We are focussed on our campaign which has got a different objective,” he said.
Unnecessary controversies were turning public attention from core issues affecting the people. Therefore, he did not want the ongoing row to shift its focus, he said.
The yatra will conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on December 9.
