Keralam’s UDF govt at three months: Hits, hurdles and high expectations for V.D. Satheesan

In the first three months of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has faced a mix of successes and challenges. The 62-year-old leader and his 20-member cabinet have been working to deliver on their ambitious plans. The government, which won a landslide victory with 102 seats in the Assembly elections, aimed to build a "new-age Keralam" with its 'Puthuyuga Keralam' vision.

Satheesan has tried to maintain a firm yet friendly image, earning the nickname 'Pookie CM' in contrast to his predecessor, Pinarayi Vijayan. The government has set a 100-Day Action Plan with 602 projects across 50 departments. Early wins included the 'Indira Guarantee' for free bus travel for women and scrapping the SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project.

The 'Priyadarshini' free travel scheme was also popular among women despite limited uniformity in services across districts. The government's focus on the elderly led to the creation of a dedicated Department for Elderly Welfare.

However, the government also faced setbacks. The Centre denied clearance for the 'Port City' project, and plans for Keralam to become a maritime economy were set aside. The government faced criticism for its attempt at privatisation and for the appointment of non-Muslim members to the State Waqf Board. Internal power struggles emerged, with members of the personal staff of Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph and Health Minister K. Muraleedharan quitting amid allegations of nepotism.

The Adani Group's stake sale to Terminal Investment Limited and the ED's raids into financial transactions related to Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter's firm also caused controversy.