More soundbyte than substance
As electioneering enters the last lap it is becoming clear that, like the past couple of editions, this campaign will also end up skirting meaningful debates on fundamental issues facing Kerala, though the state is passing through one of the most acute crises since its formation in November 1956.
The ruckus, slogans and fiery arguments on TV channels and at public places are centred on peripheral issues and scams like gold smuggling, the Enforcement Directorate, ‘counter-cases’ and `clandestine deals’ between parties and groups etc. The myopia of the political leadership, the casual attitude of people and the complicity of the media may have contributed to the perpetuation of such a shallow campaign, intellectuals like K P Kannan point out.