Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader A K Antony has claimed that the prospect of a third term for chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ‘shocked’ the people of Kerala, asserting that Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised to sweep the election.Antony said his primary appeal to voters is to end the LDF administration, alleging that even traditional Left supporters are shifting allegiance to UDF this time. He cited cultural figures such as K Satchidanandan and Sara Joseph as having indicated a broader change in public sentiment. According to Antony, dissatisfaction within the Left camp is evident, with party members, sympathisers and senior leaders reportedly unwilling to back another consecutive term. He claimed that from Ambalappuzha to Payyanur, senior leaders are leaving the party to contest independently, adding that ‘true communists’ no longer exist in Kerala and that party leaders have transformed into a new ruling elite. He warned that another term for LDF could lead to political decline like that witnessed in West Bengal, while clarifying that he does not wish to see BJP replace Left in Kerala. Antony argued that for the Left to survive in the state, the current govt must be voted out, suggesting that a period in the opposition would enable internal reform. He also maintained that BJP has no significant future in Kerala but would attempt to prevent UDF from coming to power. In a sharp attack, Antony alleged that the chief minister enjoys a ‘warm reception’ from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, claiming Pinarayi Vijayan is their ‘favourite’ among chief ministers. He further accused the Left of hesitating to reject support from SDPI due to fear of electoral defeat, particularly in constituencies like Nemom where he said the political winds are shifting. Predicting a decisive mandate, Antony said UDF would secure a ‘clean victory’ in the state. “The verdict has already been decided in the hearts of people,” he said, adding that the current govt is functioning merely as a caretaker administration and that the chief minister remains inaccessible to ordinary citizens. Highlighting unity within UDF, Antony said the coalition is more cohesive than ever before and does not require extensive campaigning.
