Thiruvananthapuram, 07 May (H.S.):Kerala Chief Minister and CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday accepted the Left Democratic Front’s defeat in the Assembly elections with “humility and respect,” while asserting that the verdict marked “not an end, but a new beginning” for the LDF’s political journey.

In a detailed Facebook post reacting to the election outcome, Vijayan congratulated the United Democratic Front (UDF) for its victory and said the LDF would function as a responsible and strong Opposition committed to protecting secularism, democracy and the welfare of the people.

Calling the result “completely unexpected” for the Left alliance, Vijayan said the LDF remained grateful to the large section of voters who continued to stand firmly with the Front despite what he described as “intense propaganda and attacks” during the campaign.

“Though the expected third consecutive term slipped away, the support extended to the LDF by a significant section of the people gives us confidence to move forward,” he said.

The veteran CPM leader maintained that the development initiatives and welfare schemes implemented by the LDF government over the past decade had brought substantial changes in Kerala society. He said the Front would continue to raise issues related to knowledge economy, youth employment, social justice, public healthcare and education from the Opposition benches.

Vijayan also said the LDF would support all policies aimed at improving people’s living standards, while strongly opposing any “anti-people decisions” taken by the incoming government.

Expressing concern over the BJP winning three seats in the Assembly election, Vijayan described it as a “serious matter” and warned against the growth of communal politics in the State.

“Protecting Kerala’s secular and pluralistic character remains the fundamental position of the LDF. We will continue our struggle against divisive politics without compromising with communalism,” he said.

The Chief Minister also alleged that the election witnessed widespread misinformation campaigns and accused certain sections of the media of playing a questionable role through “half-truths, exaggerations and factually incorrect narratives.”

Stating that the election verdict would be subjected to a comprehensive internal review, Vijayan said the LDF would democratically examine criticism and concerns raised by party workers and the public, while making necessary corrections to strengthen its connect with the people.

He thanked thousands of party workers who campaigned tirelessly for the Front and assured supporters that the LDF would “return stronger” after regaining public confidence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman