With almost all exit polls giving Kerala to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), the focus has already shifted to the next big question, who will be the Chief Minister’s face, even before the official results are out.
A latest survey by Poll Mantra has suggested intense competition for the CM’s post with several names, including Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and VD Satheeshan emerging as the front runners.
According to the survey, KC Venugopal has been the most impactful leader during the polls with 21.4 per cent votes, followed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (18.6 per cent) and Leader of Opposition VD Satheeshan (16.2 per cent).
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has also helped the UDF with 12.5 per cent respondents recognising him as the most impactful leader in the Kerala polls.
However, for the CM face, Satheeshan has emerged as the top choice with 21.2 per cent votes. Pinarayi Vijayan is still among the first choice of 20.5 per cent of Keralites who want to see him as the Chief Minister.
KC Venugopal at 17.8 per cent is third in the list, well behind his party colleague V.D. Satheeshan, indicating a close competition within the Congress party.
KK Shailaja (11.2 per cent), Ramesh Chennithala (11.2 per cent), and Rajeev Chandrashekhar (10.5 per cent) were other notable picks for the CM post.
What are the exit poll predictions for Kerala Assembly Elections?
According to Axis My India, the LDF is projected to win 49-62 seats in Kerala, while the UDF could secure 78-90 seats. The BJP-led alliance is projected to win 0-3 seats.
Peoples Insight has projected 58-68 seats for the LDF, 66-76 seats for the UDF and 10-14 seats for the BJP-led alliance. Others may secure up to one seat.
According to Peoples Pulse, the LDF is likely to win 55-65 seats, while the UDF could secure 75-85 seats. The BJP-led alliance is projected to win 0-3 seats.
Vote Vibe has projected 58-68 seats for the LDF and 70-80 seats for the UDF, while others could secure up to four seats.
The poll of these exit polls projects the UDF to win 75 seats, the LDF 60 seats, the BJP-led alliance four seats and others one seat.
Kerala went to polls on April 9 in a single phase and the counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 4.