THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan stated that such a poorly conducted election has never been witnessed in the state. He emphasized the need for free and fair elections, stressing the importance of creating an environment conducive to voting. Satheesan highlighted instances where voters, including himself, were unable to cast their ballots despite waiting in queues for several hours. He called for an investigation into the causes of voting delays, particularly in certain polling booths and questioned the decision to extend polling hours until 10 pm. Satheesan also raised concerns about widespread damage to voting machines and insufficient personnel at some polling stations, criticizing the lack of intervention from the Election Commission despite these reported issues.

He demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter, asserting that such elections should never occur in Kerala. Satheesan questioned why many voters were turned away without the opportunity to vote, suggesting that the Election Commission's efforts to encourage voter turnout through campaigns and advertisements were undermined by inadequate voting conditions. He called for an independent inquiry into the matter, holding the Election Commission accountable for instances of double voting and the inclusion of deceased individuals' names on voter lists. Satheesan criticized the Commission's failure to produce accurate voter lists despite the presence of numerous Booth Level Officers (BLOs), suggesting that action should be taken against BLOs who neglect to update voter information. He alleged that the voter list was manipulated by certain officials.

Satheesan also criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), accusing it of declining and engaging in questionable practices. He cited instances where party leaders, including the Chief Minister, allegedly collaborated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to resolve legal cases, suggesting that the BJP sought to gain electoral advantages through such alliances. He questioned the necessity of CPM leaders meeting with BJP officials, raising suspicions of potential business or political deals. Satheesan referenced past allegations of BJP assistance to the CPM and questioned the status of ongoing investigations into corruption cases involving CPM members.

He accused the CPM of using intimidation tactics to influence voter turnout and criticized the termination of investigations against individuals linked to the party. Satheesan questioned the relationship between CPM leader EP Jayarajan and BJP officials, alleging that Jayarajan acted as a liaison between the two parties. He criticized the Chief Minister for denying his association with Jayarajan, describing the situation as theatrical.

Regarding the upcoming elections, Satheesan expressed confidence in the United Democratic Front's (UDF) prospects, predicting victory in all 20 parliamentary seats in Kerala. He attributed this anticipated success to the UDF's effective campaign against both the central and state governments, citing public discontent and anger towards these administrations. Satheesan accused the Chief Minister of deflecting attention from public grievances by focusing on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and alleged collusion between the CPM and BJP. He claimed that the people's desire for change would lead to the UDF's victory and commended the party's unity and stability throughout the campaign period.