T’puram: Senior Congress leader A K Antony has claimed that even supporters of the Left parties, including the CPM and CPI, voted for United Democratic Front 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.
