Who will benefit from higher poll turnout? Fronts do the math

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Political fronts in Kerala are closely analysing the increase in voter turnout. Polling percentage has gone up in all districts except Kannur.

Leaders of the UDF have expressed strong confidence, claiming they will return to power in the state. However, leaders of the LDF said there is no doubt about continuing in power. Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said this would be the last election in Kerala with three fronts. He added that in the future, the CPM and Congress may have to come together as a single alliance to face the BJP.

LDF Convener T P Ramakrishnan repeated that the ruling front will continue in power, but did not specify how many seats they expect to win. On the other hand, Opposition Leader V D Satheesan and KPCC president Sunny Joseph expressed confidence that the UDF will win over 100 seats. Satheesan said the UDF expects to win around 43 seats across districts like Ernakulam, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Wayanad.

A key factor being watched is the drop in the number of Gulf voters, especially in districts like Kozhikode, Kannur, and Malappuram, and which front it will affect. The LDF is also closely observing how the increased polling in districts such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta, where it had strong support in the 2021 elections, will impact results.

CPM meeting tomorrow, KPCC leadership meeting soon

• The CPM state secretariat will meet on Sunday to review the election. It will examine whether there were any lapses, followed by a detailed analysis by district committees.
• KPCC office bearers held an online meeting last night for a preliminary review. A leadership meeting and a UDF meeting will be held after the Vishu festival.
• BJP national observers and state leaders will also hold an online meeting this week to review the situation.