Kochi: Even as the mainstream political parties openly oppose the Popular Front, the secret relationship continues in many local bodies of the state. If the ban on Popular Front is also applied to their political face, SDPI, the future of many ruling bodies will hang in the balance. Banning of SDPI as a political party is a matter under consideration of the Central Election Commission.
SDPI has a covert and overt presence in many local bodies of the state. They continue to be a decisive force in governance in many places. CPM is ruling Pathanamthitta Municipality and Kotangal Panchayat with support of SDPI. In Eratupetta, the CPM joined forces with the LDF to end the UDF rule, but the controversy led to the withdrawal. In Kasaragod Kumbala Panchayat and Manjeswaram Block Panchayat, UDF is ruling with SDPI.
Popular fronters are those who are able to stand with anyone regardless of the front. That is what has helped the growth of the Popular Front all this time. But with the ban on the Popular Front, SDPI workers and leaders will come under scrutiny. If they go ahead with popular front activities in any way, there will be action and arrest. It will lead to administrative crisis in many local bodies.
As a registered political party, it is the Central Election Commission that should take action against the SDPI. SDPI can be banned only if the Law Ministry issues a notification on the recommendation of the Election Commission.
English Summary: Popular Front’s alliance with other political parties in local self governments