Thiruvananthapuram,11 April (H.S.):

Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan has called for a fair and objective investigation into the controversy surrounding the “Kumbh Mela viral star,” stressing that the matter must be handled with seriousness and transparency.

Addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Muraleedharan took a sharp dig at M. V. Govindan, the state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), for attending the wedding of the individual at the centre of the controversy. He criticised what he described as political opportunism, stating that such actions should not be driven by the pursuit of a handful of votes.

“Such impulsive decisions for electoral gains are not appropriate. It appears that these actions were taken with the upcoming elections in mind,” Muraleedharan said, adding that political leaders must exercise restraint in sensitive matters.

Turning to the electoral landscape, Muraleedharan expressed confidence in a strong performance by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the ongoing Assembly elections. He predicted that the UDF would secure victory in around 100 constituencies, citing a visible shift in public sentiment.

Specifically referring to the Vattiyoorkavu constituency, he said the UDF is likely to win by a margin ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 votes. “I stand by my earlier assessment. In the final phase, the contest has clearly narrowed down to a direct fight between the UDF and the LDF,” he noted.

Muraleedharan clarified that he was not dismissing the presence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), acknowledging that the party maintained an active booth-level presence. However, he observed that its influence did not appear prominent in the final stages of the campaign.

Highlighting voter turnout trends, he pointed out a noticeable rise in participation, particularly in the state capital. Recalling the 2011 Assembly elections, he said voter turnout in Thiruvananthapuram had remained below 70 per cent, touching only around 65 per cent. “Before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), such long queues were rarely seen in the capital. The increase in turnout now reflects a growing desire for change among the electorate,” he said.

Muraleedharan concluded by asserting that the prevailing public mood strongly favours the UDF, expressing confidence that the alliance would secure a decisive mandate in the elections.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman