THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With just a day left for counting in Kerala, the UDF, buoyed by the edge suggested in various exit polls, is hopeful of returning to power, while the LDF trusts voters to grant them a third term to complete the unfinished work of the past decade.
At the final cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wished everyone success in the upcoming elections. Ministers left with the hope that many would return to meet again on May 5 for the next cabinet session.
Although exit polls predict 75 to 90 seats for the UDF, the Congress, leading the alliance, must secure at least 40 to 45 seats to hit the target. Additionally, allies including the Muslim League, Kerala Congress (Joseph), and smaller partners will need strong performances to reach the 95-seat mark.
The UDF camp was pleased with the voter turnout, which reached 79.63 per cent. The higher female turnout of 81.19 percent compared to 75.19 percent for males also lifted spirits in the Congress camp, thanks to the Mahila factor. The Congress Indira Guarantee promises free travel for women on KSRTC buses and a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000 for college-going female students, with hopes these pledges will attract more women voters this time.
Meanwhile, the CPM-led LDF is not boasting about a landslide but remains optimistic about winning 75 to 80 seats, though exit polls cap their tally at 69. Some exit polls even predict a hung assembly, giving the BJP between 1 and 14 seats.
“Kerala assembly election victory will mark the Congress comeback at the national level. We will win more than 90 seats,” said Congress MLA T Siddique.
On the CM debate in the Congress, Siddique said party workers should avoid such discussions, as the AICC has a clear formula for selecting the person for the top post. “This whole debate about the CM is a trap created by the CPM. Congress members should guard against such attempts,” he said.
Muslim League leader M.K. Muneer stated that his party’s position is that the decision on the CM post will be made by the Congress High Command. “The League has not proposed any name for the chief minister’s post,” he said.
His remarks came amid controversy over party supremo Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal seemingly endorsing public support for Satheeshan as CM in the exit polls. However, he clarified that he only said the exit polls reflected the people’s wish, and that the final decision rests with the Congress High Command.
Billboards, cutouts, hoardings, and posters showcasing Satheeshan, Chennithala, and Venugopal as CM have appeared in many places, causing some embarrassment for the central leadership.
While the debate over the CM candidate continues within the UDF, the LDF camp is quietly observing. Many on the Left believe that if the LDF retains power, Pinarayi will continue as CM, but if they face defeat, discussions may arise about the opposition leader’s role.
The BJP is aiming to win at least five seats, with leaders saying their stance could be decisive in forming a government if there’s a hung assembly. Meanwhile, most parties have prepared for counting day celebrations, gathering flags, festoons, colored powders, and ordering sweets for the occasion.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
