ALUVA: A day after Kerala witnessed a record-breaking voter turnout in the 2026 Assembly elections, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan expressed supreme confidence in a United Democratic Front (UDF) comeback. Addressing a press conference in Aluva on Friday, April 10, Satheesan asserted that the UDF is poised to secure over 100 seats and form the next government based on a “pro-incumbency for change” and a systematic grassroots campaign.
A Historic Turnout and Organization Prowess
Satheesan highlighted that Kerala reached its highest-ever polling percentage, noting that the numbers would have been even higher had expatriate voters and students studying abroad been able to participate.
”This is the most spirited and organized election work by the UDF in the last 35 years. While 1991 and 2001 were significant, the energy we saw this time was unprecedented. We have successfully brought back various sections of society that had distanced themselves from us since 2005,” Satheesan said.
He attributed this confidence to the UDF’s consistent performance in local body, parliament, and by-elections over the last few years, claiming that the coalition has developed an organizational excellence that can “defeat any cadre party.”
The “Clean Sweep” in Five Districts
The Opposition Leader made a bold prediction of a clean sweep in five key districts:
- Ernakulam
- Malappuram
- Wayanad
- Idukki
- Pathanamthitta
These districts account for 43 seats. Satheesan stated that the high polling percentage in these regions reinforces the UDF’s internal assessments of a landslide victory. He also dismissed the influence of the “Twenty20” party in Kunnathunadu, predicting they would be relegated to a “miserable third place.”
Attack on the LDF: “Ministers Stuck in Their Own Constituencies”
Satheesan took a sharp dig at the incumbent LDF cabinet, claiming that for the first time in Kerala’s history, ministers were unable to campaign outside their own constituencies.
”Ministers who bragged about ‘locking’ me in Paravur were themselves unable to step out of their home turfs due to the intense competition. The LDF has realized they are losing. That is why they are now suddenly talking about a woman Chief Minister or a young leader; they have abandoned the ‘Pinarayi 3’ narrative because they know the Pinarayi brand has failed,” he added.
Addressing Key Controversies
- CPM-BJP Deal: Satheesan alleged that the UDF successfully exposed a high-level deal between the CPM and BJP, which he believes was thwarted by the common workers of these parties.
- Wayanad Fund Issue: He dismissed allegations regarding the Wayanad fund collection as a CPM-led smear campaign intended to distract from corruption issues like the “martyr fund” controversy.
- Postal Ballot Issues: The Opposition Leader raised concerns regarding the lack of ballot papers at facilitation centers for government employees, stating that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Election Commission.
The Verdict Awaited
With the UDF predicting a wave in both urban and rural areas, Satheesan concluded by stating that the electorate has embraced the “alternative vision” provided by the opposition over the last three years. While the NDA is expected to remain “account-less,” all eyes are now on the counting day to see if the UDF’s “100+ seats” claim holds water.
