Kochi: Congress MP Shafi Parambil has said that the LDF 3.0 campaign is likely to benefit the UDF, as the public is not inclined to follow a narrative of repetition. He said a majority of people are seeking change, and this sentiment was clearly visible in the recent local body elections.
Shafi Parambil was speaking at a session titled ‘Shafi Mushkil’ at The Summit of Future organised by Jain University. He pointed out that, organisationally, local body elections have never been favourable terrain for the UDF. Despite this, the LDF suffered an unexpected setback, which, he said, reflects a broader desire for change across Kerala.
Referring to the state budget presented recently, Shafi said the announcements and benefits proposed would not be enough to influence the outcome of the Assembly elections in the LDF’s favour. He stressed the need for time-relevant improvements across sectors, noting that this is what people are demanding. A government’s responsibility, he said, is to prepare the younger generation for opportunities that do not yet exist, and the measures outlined in the budget fall short of that expectation. He added that public opinion mirrors this assessment.
Shafi also said that students choosing to pursue education abroad cannot be prevented. However, he underlined the need to create stronger opportunities within the state for those leaving due to lack of prospects at home. Providing future-ready and innovative avenues, he said, is a core responsibility of governance.
He added that the challenge before the UDF goes beyond electoral success and lies in aligning with the aspirations of the present generation. This would require fundamental reforms, particularly in the higher education sector.
Responding to questions on whether he would contest the upcoming Assembly elections, Shafi said he was neither confirming nor denying it, and would undertake any responsibility assigned by the party.
