Alappuzha, 30 April (H.S.): Vellappally Natesan, General Secretary of the SNDP Yogam, on Wednesday cautioned against placing excessive faith in exit poll predictions that forecast a victory for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, asserting that such surveys have often gone wrong in the past.

Speaking to reporters, Natesan said his personal assessment points to a narrow return to power for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “Exit polls are not always accurate. There have been instances where they failed. It is better to wait until May 4 and then analyse the actual results,” he said.

He added that the LDF government’s welfare measures, including financial assistance to lakhs of people, could play a decisive role in influencing voters. According to him, the government had extended substantial support to economically weaker sections as well as minority communities.

Launching a sharp attack on the UDF, Natesan alleged that if the front comes to power, governance would effectively be controlled by the Indian Union Muslim League. He criticised Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan, claiming that he was functioning under the influence of the League.

Natesan also took exception to reported remarks by League leaders supporting Satheesan for the Chief Minister’s post, stating that it was inappropriate for an ally to decide leadership within another party. “Such decisions should be made by the Congress party and its parliamentary leadership,” he said.

He further warned that a UDF government could lead to instability, invoking concerns over law and order, while asserting that a defeat for the Left would amount to a setback for democratic values.

“Ultimately, the verdict lies with the people. We should wait for the final results,” Natesan added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman