As voting gathered pace in Kerala on Thursday, senior Congress leader AK Antony expressed confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would return to power with a decisive mandate, claiming voters are ready to “send off” the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).
The election is widely seen as a direct contest between the Congress-led UDF and the incumbent LDF under Pinarayi Vijayan, with both sides pitching sharply different narratives amid signs of anti-incumbency.
Antony, after casting his vote in Thiruvananthapuram, told reporters that the outcome would clearly reflect public sentiment against the current government. “Election is a clear verdict of the people. People want to send off this present LDF government. UDF will have a clean sweep in Keralam. After the counting, UDF will form the government. LDF will sit in the opposition, and they will start discussing about what went wrong for this miserable defeat. BJP, that is not Kerala party. Kerala people don’t like BJP. Vast majority of the people of Kerala will vote against the present government. According to me, Pinarayi government’s time is over. Ten years of misrule, something wrong with them (BJP),” said Antony.
Echoing similar views, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the electoral battle in the state is essentially between the LDF and the UDF. “The BJP is not a factor here. This is a state where the BJP is a zero-seat party in the Assembly. To even mention them in the same breath is an excessive compliment. It is a fight between an incumbent LDF govt and a challenging UDF,” he told ANI after voting.
UDF signals ‘strong comeback’ as turnout rises
Congress leader Shama Mohamed also projected a comfortable win for the alliance, citing feedback from across the state. She pointed to issues such as rising debt, unemployment and drug abuse. “People are clearly asking for change,” she said.
Polling began at 7 am across all 140 constituencies, with steady participation through the morning. According to the Election Commission of India, turnout stood at 16.2 per cent at 9 am and rose to 33.28 per cent by 11 am.
Kerala has more than 2.69 crore registered voters deciding the fate of 883 candidates. This includes over 1.38 crore women and 1.31 crore men, along with 277 voters in the third gender category. Around 4.24 lakh voters are in the 18–19 age group, while over two lakh voters are above 85.
To manage polling, authorities have set up 30,471 polling stations and deployed about 1.46 lakh trained personnel. Security arrangements have been tightened, with more than 1,200 police teams active across the state. Officials also confirmed action against 180 individuals in connection with poll-related violations.
Several key leaders exercised their franchise during the day. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan voted in Kannur, while CPI(M) leader M A Baby cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan voted in Ernakulam. Congress leaders Sunny Joseph and Hibi Eden also voted, along with BJP leaders Anil K Antony and V Muraleedharan.
The LDF, which currently holds 99 seats, is aiming to secure a rare third consecutive term after retaining power in 2021. Meanwhile, the UDF is banking on voter dissatisfaction to stage a comeback.
Votes will be counted on May 4.