AICC leader blames Left front policies for youth migration

Deepa Dasmunshi criticizes Kerala's LDF government for driving youth away, aims for UDF victory in upcoming elections.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi has blamed the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for its lopsided policies, which have led to the migration of youth and jobseekers to other States and abroad in search of better opportunities.

Alleging that the LDF-led government lacked vision for the future, she quoted a survey stating that around 60% of voters in the State were above 65 years of age. While in other States, 50% were elderly voters and the remaining 50% comprised youth voters, she said in her inaugural address at the ‘Navajagaran’ meeting of Congress party representatives elected to various local bodies across Ernakulam, organised by the District Congress Committee.

“In Kerala, 60% of voters are above the age of 65, while 35% fall within the young and middle-aged sections. Why are the youth not staying in Kerala? They are moving to other States in the country. I know many teachers who are leaving the State for better job opportunities,” she said.

Ms. Dasmunshi said that nurses trained in Kerala, known for their exceptional skills, were also moving to other States for jobs. “What about Accredited Social Health Activist [ASHA] workers here? They are still sitting in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram to press their demands. Anganwadi workers and teachers are also fighting for justice,” she added.

The AICC general secretary exuded confidence that the misrule of the LDF government would help the United Democratic Front (UDF) secure a major victory in the forthcoming local body elections. She said their main goal was ‘Mission 2026’—to bid farewell to the Left front government and pave the way for the formation of a UDF-led government following the Assembly election.

Several elected representatives of the Congress party at the panchayat, municipality and corporation levels attended the meeting, which was held as part of the agitation against the State and Central governments ahead of the elections in Kerala.