Even after discouraging results from both surveys, Congress leaders are happy; thinks the party is on track from having nothing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ahead of assembly polls results of two pre-poll surveys are out. Both surveys predict another term for LDF. Even though the results are not conducive for UDF, its leaders have expressed satisfaction over the pre-poll survey results.

As per the results of the first survey, the left front will continue in power. The survey report shows that LDF will win 72-78 seats in the assembly polls. UDF will secure 65 seats and BJP is expected to win from three to seven seats.

Whereas the second survey states that LDF will secure between 68-78 seats and UDF will win 62-72 seats. BJP will get only one to two seats.

In 2016 polls, UDF won only 47 seats, many parties in UDF has not even seen the assembly. Only the league was able to display a good show. Even though UDF secured a sweeping victory in the Lok Sabha polls, it witnessed a humiliating defeat in the recently concluded local body polls. UDF also lags behind in terms of vote share. The right front is ahead only in 39 constituencies and that too with negligible lead.

With the retaliation of the left front in local body polls, the condition of UDF was in a pathetic state. The leaders say compared to that the survey results predict better prospects for the front in the upcoming assembly polls which is a hopeful gesture. In that case, the survey results are conducive for UDF, its leaders opined.

Congress Working Committee member A K Anthony said that the survey results show both fronts will be engaged in a neck-to-neck fight. The Muslim League leaders have also expressed confidence in the survey results but the party is concerned over reports that CPM might take away the traditional strongholds of the party in Malabar. Whereas the Congress leaders think that the League have the organisational capacity to overcome such threats.

Last time Congress which contested 87 seats was able to win from only 22 seats. Meanwhile, Muslim League secured 18 seats among the 24 seats where they contested. The surveys predict that UDF will secure 59 to 72 seats in the assembly polls. In that case, Congress will have the most number of seats in UDF. In Northern Kerala, unexpected changes in communal equations could give a setback to League.

The UDF leadership thinks it as an ample opportunity for the front and Congress to stage a strong comeback in the state’s politics. CPM leaders also hold the same observation. Both surveys also indicate if a strong contest comes up, then the minimum majority of 71 seats could be secured. The survey results are expected to inject a renewed sense of enthusiasm among the Congress workers and its leaders.

Apart from this, the survey results give further confidence to the Congress party over the leadership of Oommen Chandy. The party also believes that his presence in the leadership could bring back the traditional Christian vote bank in central Kerala, which had switched to the LDF camp in the last assembly polls.