Kerela elections: KC Venugopal says election is final bell for Pinarayi Vijayan government

T'PURAM: AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said the election was the "final bell" of the Pinarayi Vijayan govt and the "opening note" of a UDF regime. He asserted that the UDF's victory was certain and would bring relief to the state from what he termed a decade of "misrule."

In a social media post, Venugopal alleged that the chief minister attempted to retain power by forging understandings with BJP and other communal groups, but claimed such efforts would not succeed in Kerala. "Even they have realised that it's time to say goodbye," Venugopal said.





Highlighting what he called the "failures" of the govt, Venugopal warned that if the current regime continues, backdoor appointments would be regularised, controversial policy decisions would be implemented and public healthcare institutions would deteriorate. He also alleged that the state's financial condition would worsen while profligacy in governance would continue.

Venugopal further claimed that cost of living would rise sharply, with increases in house tax, property tax, electricity charges, medical expenses and bus fares. Venugopal also alleged that despite the possibility of multiple legal cases against the CM, such cases would be suppressed.

The Alappuzha MP accused the govt of enabling corruption in cooperative institutions and failing to curb rising incidents such as wildlife attacks. He also raised concerns over women's safety, alleging that cases involving party members were not dealt with seriously and that perpetrators were being shielded.

Venugopal reiterated that the electorate would not allow what he described as a continuation of "10 years of misgovernance," expressing confidence that voters would deliver a verdict in favour of the UDF.

Left parties voted for UDF: Antony

Senior Congress leader A K Antony has claimed that even supporters of the Left parties, including the CPM and CPI, voted for UDF in the assembly elections.

Antony told reporters after casting his vote that a significant section of people who traditionally back the Left were opposed to granting it another term in power. Antony said these voters believe that a continued Left govt would ultimately weaken the movement in Kerala. He warned that the Left should not be allowed to slip into a situation similar to what happened in West Bengal and added that this sentiment has led to an unprecedented shift in voter behaviour across all districts in favour of UDF.

He further stated that a broad alliance has emerged in this election, comprising those opposing Pinarayi Vijayan govt, traditional Congress supporters and even those who wish to see the Left survive but not continue in power. Antony predicted that the UDF would secure a historic victory, pointing to strong anti-incumbency sentiment across the state. He added that public anger, which was building over the past decade, intensified into a wave in the final days of campaigning and that voters would deliver a decisive democratic verdict against what he termed "anti-people policies".

Echoing similar sentiments, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that a change in govt was imminent and that the UDF was set to come to power. He asserted that people across Kerala were expressing a clear desire for political change, with large crowds attending campaign events statewide.

Chennithala said voters were inclined towards a UDF victory and effectively saying "goodbye" to CM Vijayan. He also alleged corruption related to Sabarimala gold issue and accused BJP of distributing money to influence voters. Further, he claimed there was a BJP-CPM understanding, alleging that CPM votes were transferred to BJP in certain constituencies during Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the electorate was clearly voting for change, as reflected in the high voter turnout. He added that there would be no dispute within the UDF over the CM candidate and that the central leadership would take a prompt decision.

Tharoor also noted that the BJP was hoping to open its account in one or two constituencies, particularly where triangular contests are under way, and hence urged voters to exercise caution in such seats.
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