Kerala CM's popularity graph goes up

As the Marxist-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government in Kerala celebrates its first anniversary , the popularity graph of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has also touched new heights.

It was evident from the fact that the veteran Communist hardliner could live up to the expectations of the masses to a certain extent when he took bold initiatives like demolition of illegal resorts in Munnar hill station and clinching of the Smart City project at Kochi.

The signing of the Smart City Project at Kochi, to be built by the Dubai Internet City, is projected to be the biggest achievement of the LDF Government.

Ever since he assumed office on May 18 last year, he had to struggle hard within his own party CPI(M), headed by his arch rival Pinarayi Vijayan, to fulfil the promises he made to the people as a Leader of the Opposition during 2001-06.

But the veteran leader could turn the public opinion in his favour on some of the major issues, thereby forcing the party leadership to change its stand.

However, on some of the issues like Kiliroor-Kaviyoor sex case and availing loan from the Asian Development Bank, Mr Achuthanandan could not meet the promise. As an Opposition Leader, he had promised that all those behind the case would be booked, despite the allegations that some CPI(M) leaders had links with the case.

Similarly, he had surrendered meekly on the ADB issue by availing loan from the bank.