Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 11: The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is poised to secure a historic third consecutive term in the upcoming Assembly elections, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby claimed on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, Baby said, “Kerala has seen two consecutive LDF victories in 2016 and 2021. We are hopeful of a third term if we can effectively communicate the government’s achievements over the past ten years.”
Highlighting the state’s progress, Baby pointed to social harmony, with no communal riots reported in the last decade, and significant infrastructure developments, including the Vizhinjam port project and expansion of national and state highways. He also underscored Kerala’s continued leadership in social welfare, health, and education indices.
While expressing confidence in a third LDF victory, Baby cautioned against overconfidence, noting that complacency could be a political risk.
The CPI(M) leader launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of having ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and its political wing, the Welfare Party, which he described as “minority communal forces” threatening Kerala’s political stability. He criticised Congress Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan for allegedly defending these groups.
Regarding the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Baby accused the party of exploiting religious symbols for political gain, though he clarified that while the IUML is not strictly secular, it should not be termed communal either. He also alleged that tactical arrangements exist between the UDF and the BJP to influence elections, citing underhand dealings during local body polls.
On internal Congress dynamics, Baby noted that MP Shashi Tharoor’s earlier rift with party leadership appears resolved, following meetings with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. Tharoor is now confirmed to participate in the upcoming Kerala election campaign.
The remarks reflect CPI(M)’s strategy of highlighting governance achievements while raising concerns over opponents’ alleged communal and tactical alliances ahead of the polls.