Thiruvananthapyram, 13 April (H.S):Even as the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), expresses confidence of retaining power in Kerala, the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), spearheaded by the Indian National Congress, has projected a strong comeback with over 80 seats in the Assembly elections.
According to internal assessments by Congress district units, the UDF expects to gain significantly even in constituencies previously considered LDF strongholds. The party has also predicted defeats for several key ministers, including M.B. Rajesh, Veena George, O.R. Kelu, and Roshy Augustine, indicating a potential shift in voter sentiment.
In Thiruvananthapuram district, the UDF is confident of retaining Kovalam and securing narrow victories in closely fought constituencies such as Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, Neyyattinkara, and Aruvikkara. A triangular contest in Kattakkada is expected to work in its favour, while the party believes it can outperform the BJP in Nemom and Kazhakoottam.
In Kollam, the UDF expects to retain Kundara and Karunagappally while capturing Kollam constituency. The RSP is projected to win in Chavara and Kunnathur. In Alappuzha, veteran leader G. Sudhakaran is expected to spring a surprise victory as an LDF rebel, while the UDF remains confident in Haripad, Aroor, and Kuttanad.
The opposition is also optimistic in central Kerala, projecting strong wins in Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kaduthuruthy, Poonjar, and Changanassery. In Pala, Mani C. Kappan is seen as holding an edge, while Ettumanoor is expected to be a narrow victory. In Idukki, the Congress predicts the defeat of minister Roshy Augustine, while retaining Thodupuzha and securing Peermade. In Pathanamthitta, the UDF expects to win all seats except Konni.
In Ernakulam district, the UDF is optimistic about winning 13 out of 14 seats, with Kalamassery—where minister P. Rajeev is contesting—remaining uncertain. Tight contests in Vypeen, Kochi, Thrippunithura, and Kothamangalam are expected to tilt in favour of the opposition.
In Thrissur, the UDF is confident of victories in Chalakudy, Thrissur, and Manalur, and believes that a favourable wave could help it capture Wadakkanchery, Kodungallur, Guruvayur, Irinjalakuda, and Ollur as well.
In Palakkad, the UDF expects to retain Mannarkkad and Palakkad, with a projected victory margin exceeding 10,000 votes in the latter. Minister M.B. Rajesh is predicted to lose in Thrithala. Strong contests are anticipated in Chittur, Kongad, Pattambi, Nenmara, and Ottapalam.
In Malappuram, the LDF is expected to be restricted to just two seats, while the UDF is confident in Kozhikode South, Kuttiady, Koyilandy, Nadapuram, and Koduvally, and is also eyeing gains in Thiruvambady. If a wave similar to the local body elections emerges, seats such as Kozhikode North, Perambra, Beypore, and Kunnamangalam could also swing in its favour. The UDF predicts a clean sweep in Wayanad.
In Kannur, the UDF is hopeful of capturing the constituency while retaining Peravoor and Irikkur, and improving its vote share in Taliparamba and Payyannur. In Kasaragod, Manjeshwaram is expected to be retained, with strong prospects in Kasaragod and Trikaripur.
With both the LDF and UDF expressing confidence, Kerala is set for a closely contested electoral battle, with constituency-level dynamics and possible shifts in voter sentiment likely to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
