“UDF is expecting a victory in at least 100 seats. We will exceed that target,” Joseph told ET while campaigning in Peravoor in Kannur, where he is the Congress-led coalition’s candidate. “As we already won the tough local body election, that same trend can be repeated with much more results. This is easier, and the political trend will be the same.”
Voting for the 140-member assembly is scheduled for April 9. The BJP, which has won only one assembly seat in Kerala (in 2016), has mounted an aggressive campaign focused on select constituencies, backed by its first Lok Sabha win in the state in 2024.
Joseph dismissed the BJP’s prospects. “The BJP has the power and money to do election shows and campaigns, but that will not influence Kerala’s voters,” he said.
Larger Role
A three-time MLA from Peravoor, Joseph did not rule out taking on a larger role if the UDF forms the government.
“That I do not deny. My elevation will be very much helpful for the overall development of the constituency, as well as other areas in the district and the hill regions of the state,” he said.
On the chief ministerial candidate, he said the party would follow its established process.“The ultimate decision will be made by the high command, and that will be accepted by everyone.”The Peravoor contest is being closely watched, with Joseph facing former Kerala health minister KK Shailaja, who won the seat in 2006.
While Joseph has retained the seat in all three elections since 2011, Kannur district, which has 11 assembly constituencies, has largely backed the Left Democratic Front in 2016 and 2021.
Joseph said Kannur could deliver “unexpected results” this time, citing shifting political undercurrents.
Electoral dynamics in the district point to churn within the Left. Former CPI(M) leaders V Kunhikrishnan and TK Govindan are contesting with UDF support from Payyanur and Taliparamba, respectively.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled after alleging financial irregularities against district party leaders. Govindan resigned and was later expelled after accusing party secretary MV Govindan of favouritism in awarding a seat to his wife PK Shyamala in Taliparamba.
Rejecting allegations by the CPI(M) of an understanding between the Congress and the BJP, Joseph said: “The Congress opposes the BJP in parliament and outside. Everyone knows that. The CPI(M) is trying to mislead people”.
