Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph sharply criticized the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government on Saturday. Speaking at Vote Vibe 2025 in Thrissur, he said, “The LDF has mixed up every scheme and turned everything into nothing.” He slammed the government for cutting funds to local bodies, saying it has stopped development. Mr. Joseph also attacked the CPI(M) for choosing a candidate in Payyannur who is a Democratic Youth Federation of India leader sentenced to 20 years behind bars. He warned, “The court’s verdict against the CPI(M)’s injustices will reflect in this election.” On the controversy around Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA, Mr. Joseph said the Congress and UDF are focused on real issues troubling people like farmers’ debt, wild animal attacks, and rising prices. He clarified, “The editorial in Veekshanam supporting Mamkootathil is not aligned with Congress’ policy. Directions have been issued to correct it.” He denied that only he and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan suspended Mamkootathil, saying over 25 leaders took the decision together. Regarding the Sabarimala gold smuggling case, Mr. Joseph accused the CPI(M) of protecting those involved. “The stolen gold has still not been recovered. Those who guarded Sabarimala turned thieves. The police have not arrested all accused despite court orders and a special investigation team,” he charged. He questioned the timing of the complaint against Mamkootathil and how it reached the Chief Minister’s Office. “Pointing this out is neither protecting the accused nor dismissing the survivor. It is our responsibility to highlight unusual developments,” he said. Concluding, Mr. Joseph said the LDF’s administrative failures and protection of wrongdoing will influence the upcoming local body polls in Kerala.