Kerala local body polls: V.D. Satheesan predicts landslide for UDF, cites antiincumbency and Sabarimala gold theft row

Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan has said “everything is set for a historic return” of the United Democratic Front (UDF) to power “with a sweeping majority” in the local bodies, including district panchayats and Corporations across the State.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at Kesari Arts and Science College in North Paravur municipality on Tuesday morning, Mr. Satheesan said the UDF had an edge in municipalities even last time, and it will improve further, as will its performance in the majority of grama panchayats. UDF workers from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram remain excited.

“The strong anti-incumbency against the State government, including the matter of gold theft from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, will be one of the factors behind the impending landslide victory for the UDF. People are shocked about the Sabarimala issue and about the fact that top CPI(M) leaders involved in it are still being protected by the party. While the special investigation team is diligently investigating the matter, there is immense pressure on it from the Chief Minister’s Office to avoid embarrassment to the party during election time. However, top CPI(M) leaders will be arrested at a later stage,” said Mr. Satheesan.

While the pattern of elections to the local bodies, Parliament, and the Assembly is different, there will indeed be signs of what to expect in the Assembly elections from this poll, he said.

Mr. Satheesan said that the controversy around ousted Congress leader Rahul Mangoottam will hardly affect the UDF. “In fact, the CPI(M) is on the back foot after the Congress took strong disciplinary action, which no political party in the country has ever taken. The CPI(M) had hoped to gain advantage by delaying the arrest, but that ploy has failed. Team UDF began preparations well ahead of the election, and that has given it an upper hand.”

Asked about the verdict in the actor abduction and rape case, Mr. Satheesan said an informed comment will have to wait until the detailed verdict is examined. “The reasons for convicting some accused and acquitting others need to be studied. The case has only been half won, and the prosecution will naturally go on appeal,” he said.

Mr. Satheesan said that “whitewashing” those accused of heinous crimes and abusing decent people has become the norm on social media. However, social media does not dictate outcomes, as people have the capacity to think beyond it, he said.