Opinion poll projects landslide win for LDF

Opinion poll projects landslide win for LDF
74% want LDF in power; 45% see VS as CM

- Anupama Murali, Nidhi Cherian, Sinju C.Iype & Shyam S.


An exclusive city - wide opinion poll reveals that the Left Democratic Front is all set to sweep the polls. Cutting across the age and sex barrier, V.S. Achuthanandan is perceived as the best chief ministerial candidate.

Back at the Helm

The opinion poll projects that the CPI (M) - led LDF are all set to regain power after a gap of five years, with 74% of the respondents favouring their return. There is a clear dissent among the public with 65% of the respondents stating their unhappiness with the performance of the UDF government. The achievements of the UDF government like ‘Akshaya’ e – literacy project, ‘Global Investors Meet’ (GIM) held at Kochi, pay revisions for government employees, granting permission to start private engineering and medical colleges etc does not offset the failures in tsunami relief, governance, law and order situation etc. The Oommen Chandy regime now faces the Herculean task of not only defending his governance but also fighting the anti – incumbency wave.

As expected V.S. Achuthanandan emerged as the best chief ministerial candidate with 45% of the respondents opting for him. In contrast, despite the anti – incumbency wave, 26% of the respondents feels that Oommen Chandy is the best man to lead the state. Despite the veteran politicians winning a majority of the votes for the best chief ministerial candidate, the poll reveals that the student community in Thiruvananthapuram desires for young politicians at the top by voting for Dr. M.K.Muneer and Ganesh Kumar.

Politically Conscious

With just two weeks to go for the polls, 90% of the respondents claimed that they will be exercising their franchise. Out of the dissenting 10%, 40% have no faith in the political system and the remaining 60% feel that the politicians do not live up to their expectations. These dissenting opinions were raised mainly by housewives revealing their attitude towards the current political scenario.

Another outcome of the poll is the revelation that 81% of the respondents believed that their votes really mattered in deciding the outcome of the elections. Only a microscopic minority comprising of the old aged population answered in negative. One of the thought provoking arguments raised during the poll was that, it is not the vote of the common man, but the money and the muscle power of the business class and entrepreneurs that decide the outcome of the poll.

Opinions were divided when asked whether the respondents voted for the party or for the candidates. Both the factors are taken into consideration by 43% of the respondents. Irrespective of the candidate fielded, 25% votes only for the party in which they believe; while 29% votes for the candidate based on merit and not for the party.

A majority of the respondents (73%) think that the qualities of the politicians of today are worse than those of yesteryears. This feeling is strong across all the sections of the society. Respondents who believed that the quality today is better than in the past and the quality these days is as good as it was in the past is 13% and 11% respectively.

Burning Issues

The most important problem facing the state today according to the opinion poll is unemployment (16% of the total votes). The malaise of educated unemployed youth is a major crisis in the state. According to NSSO (1999-00), the total rural unemployment rate in the state is 21.7% and the total urban unemployment rate is 19.1%. The state needs to exploit more vociferously the various schemes implemented by the Union Government like the National Food for Work Scheme, National Rural Employment Guarantee Act etc.

Another major problem facing the state today is the poor performance of the agricultural sector (12% of the total votes). The agricultural sector in the state is of an informal nature. Out of the total agricultural area, 53.39% of the land holdings are marginal holdings. Large agricultural holdings in the state comprise of only 6.45%. As a result, the marginal farmers are in a state of perpetual poverty and backwardness. Farmer suicide is another serious issue that has plagued the state. Bailing out the farmers from the debt trap is a challenge for the next government.

Industrial backwardness (11%) is also a very serious problem for the state. High cost of production, traditional labour intensive nature of the industries and non conducive climate for promoting industrial investment are some other reasons for the backwardness of industries. Lack of experienced labour force is another major bottleneck that needs to be overcome in attracting investment to the state.

There is ambiguity in the LDF election manifesto as far as attracting foreign investment or domestic investment is concerned. On the other hand the UDF election manifesto targets investment worth a lakh crore rupees. Realistically, if the state manages to attract one – tenth of the targeted investment, it will be a revolutionary achievement. Infrastructure is another issue that figured prominently in the opinion polls. Good infrastructure is utmost important not only for the agriculture, industry and service sector, but also generates a lot of employment opportunities in the state.

Continuous deterioration in the quality of services provided in public educational and public health institutions is another grave issue. Even though CUSAT is to be upgraded to the status of an IIT, the state of higher education in Kerala is pathetic and needs to be improved. Incidents like rural Keralites forgetting the ability to read and write has also begun to pop up. Re-educating them is another challenge facing the next government.

The opinion poll suggests, time and again the politicians have failed the people of the state. Rather than the performance of the government, it is often the anti – incumbency factor that decides the next government.

The student community suggests proper measures should be taken immediately without any delay to improve infrastructure, industry, agriculture & IT sector in the state. The state should draw inspiration from the performances of the neighbouring states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh in development. The state has a mountain to climb if it has at least any dream of catching up with the top performing states in the country. The state needs to act immediately, so that God’s Own Country remains truly God’s own country.

Note: The Thiruvananthapuram city wide opinion poll was conducted on April 4, 2006. In all, 100 voters belonging to different age groups were interviewed. The opinion poll has not made any forecasts of the seats in the assembly election. With 2 weeks to go for the election, there is a huge probability that the opinions may swing. Tabulation work has been done by calculating either average or weighted average as considered appropriate.

[This is an exclusive survey that appeared in VARTHA, the lab journal released by the morning batch of Institute of Journalism, Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram]

Democracy in Nepal, What should be our stand?

This is an issue which I have been closely monitoring. I have read 2 contrasting editorials on THE HINDU & THE PIONEER regarding what should be India's approach towards Nepal.

THE ISSUE
King Gyanendra suspended the Parliament, declared emergency and assumed the role of a DE FACTO ruler. Press has been censored, Public rallies, meetings etc has been out lawed. India,along with the US and the EU has suspended all mititary aid to the world's only hindu kingdom. The king has played it smart by raising the China card.Now it is also heard that the king is allowing both China & Pakistan to open new consulates in regions which has proximity to Bihar.

THE HINDU'S STANCE
The Hindu came up with a typical leftist stance on the issue with them opposing any aid to Nepal. The Hindu constantly comes up with editorials protesting the evil motives of the king. The paper often ends up criticising the Indian Govt for failing to apply enough pressure on the Nepal monarch.

THE PIONEER'S STANCE
The Pioneer also criticised the Manmohan Singh Govt. But this criticism was for not understanding the ground reality and supporting the monarch. As the US & the EU are not big players in Nepal,the newspaper wants India not to allow China to take advantage of the situation and take remedial steps to counter the Chinese clout.

THE LEGEND'S VIEW
Both the point of view are correct. This is a tricky situation. But I will go with The Hindu's stand. The situation in Nepal is some what similar to that of Myanmar with Aung Sang Syu Ki still under house arrest and the country still ruled by the military junta. But Myanmar does not receive military support from India and Myanmar does not harbour Anti-India activities.
Nepal's geographical position is very important for the country and any disturbance in Nepal can disturb India's security. India could look at the long term gain and should support the political parties in Nepal.India should use its intelligence forces to create an uproar against the King and also to bring together both the political parties and the Maoists rebels(i.e. after making them shed their arms).Nepal does not have access to sea and it uses Indian Ports to do their trade. India should use this as a weapon. India should not be too wary of the China card as an ambitious China would be more a headache to Nepal than to India.The King will have to abdicate sooner or later and Democracy will prevail. A democratic Nepal is essential for the safety and security of India and we should work for it.

Legend

Tribute to a true legend

I would like to convey my last respects to GEORGE BEST, considered by many as the greatest footballer to emerge from the British Isles.Best, known as the fifth beatle, became popular as a Manchester United player.

With full respect to Liverpool FC, i would like to quote their theme atleast for just this once

When you walk through a storm,
Hold your head up high,
And don't be afraid of the dark,
At the end of the storm is a golden sky.
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown,
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone.
You'll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone.
You'll never walk alone

George Best, rest in peace

Legend

India's Foreign Policy

Hi, I think a discussion on this topic is necessary after reading today's (sept 27) topstory on 'The Hindu' that Iran has refused to do LNG trade with India after india voted against iran at the IAEA meeting.It is pretty clear that India's decision was influenced or rather forced by the US(like Senator Lantos' remarks at the American Congress).

I feel that the only period in Independent India where we had a strong foreign policy is the 13 month period when BJP was in power (1998-99 when India conducted Pokhran II and bravely faced US sanctions).

I am making a small presentation on what i feel has been the Indian Foreign Policy since post independence period.There may be factual errors in the presentation for which i ask my appologies.

Nehruvian Era: committed the Himalayan blunder of refusing the UNSC seat and handing it over to PR China.Now we are not able to get into UNSC even if we want to.NAM was created and flourished (maybe due to the terrific image of Nehru)

Indira era: NAM became irrelevant for us after we leaned towards USSR.

Vajpayee era: The post pokhran II phase has been the most happening event in the Indian Foreign Affairs History as the world learned to accept India's status as a rising power .

Post Vajpayee era: If NDA's only success was foreign affairs, it seems the UPA will destroy that Dept also.

Your Comments/Criticisms will be much appreciated.
Thanking You

Legend

Ashes

Do you know when did England last win the ashes(ie before 2005)?

At that period

1. Berlin Wall was still intact
2. There was a confederation known as USSR
3. Terrorism was an alian concept in Kashmir
4. Nelson Mandela continues to languish in South African Jail
5. Saddam Hussain and the US were on good terms

England last won the ashes in 1986 under Mike Gatting
Now about Ashes 2005.It is the best cricket series that i have ever seen.But it pains me when I realise that i won't be witnessing the great great great Shane Warne & Glenn Mcgrath playing in England anymore.For me Cricket is the most toughest sport in the world because only a mentally tough person can endure the strain of playing a physical game for 5 days or more.

The Australian dominance is over and the English era has begun.

ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU WARNEY FOR ENTERTAINING US WITH YOUR EXPLOITS ON THE FIELD AND SURELY THE CRICKET WORLD WILL MISS YOUR WONDERFUL WRIST SPIN

Sariska tragedy and rehabilitation.

Sariska in Rajasthan is now in news as a tragedy. It is a tiger reserve and received the highest amount in terms of fund in India.But the result is entirely opposite. Now There is not even a single tiger is there. why this happens ?

According to the answers 'found out' the forest dept prepaired a report to the ministery to restrengthen the reserve.The sole reason they found out is the grazing by the local community. So dept is trying to rehabilitate the community called 'gujjar'.In the latest EPW there was an article regarding it.

How far rehabilitating the traditional community is meaningful in protecting the forest is the matter here. I expect you will respond to this blog.

A day for friends!!!!

hi friends,

as u all know, the first sunday of august is being celebrated as friendship day all over the world. i think these "special days" have become so frequent that we tend to forget those days that are really special to each one of us!!!Mothers day, Fathers day.........and the list goes on. So, friends, do u really think we need a day to celebrate such intimate relationships??I would like to know what u people think about it!!! By the way, Happy Friendship Day to all of u!!!

Dr.Singh's Oxford Addressal

Hi, interested to know, what do you think of Dr.Manmohan Singh's Oxford speach regarding the British Rule in India.
The controversy is that Dr.Singh had praised the Raj stating that the British Rule had helped India.Do you agree with this view? I do. Share your thoughts with me.

price and growth.

hai friends,
First of all congradulations to Shyamu for his CDS .
And I think as a student we need to think about the realities of democrazy again. Yesterday I read somewhere that the opposition is going to launch a strike against price rice.Recently due to VAT the price of so many commodities is rising.
But here I think the following questions need to raise,
1) Is price rice a barrier to growth?
2) Is the present price rice is due to VAT?
3) If it is not due to VAT then what are the reasons for price rise?
4) Last but not least, is price really rised?

Definitely we need to discuss the matter deeply. I like to get your comments first ,and we will discuss it further.
Thank you.
MASH

Posting policy

Hello friends

Anything worth publishing will be published. Members who contribute nothing will be considered a liability and will be thrown out of the group.

Happy Blogging
Shyam