Kochi, Sep 11 (IANS): Political signs were very bright for the Congress-led United Democratic Front to retain power in Kerala, former defence minister A.K. Antony said on Friday.

"As a first step to retain power, the coming local body elections would be the pointer to the UDF retaining power after the assembly elections to be held next year," the three-time chief minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function.

Local body polls are scheduled for November, while the present assembly's term ends in May next year.

"The general impression prevailing in the state at the moment is that the Communist Party of India-Marxist does not have any chance to come back to power. The only alternative is the Congress and hence it will retain power in Kerala," the former union minister said.

Incidentally, neither of the rival fronts has ever been able to retain power in the state, which has swung between the UDF and the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front every five years.

Under attack from the state CPI-M leaders, Antony hit back and said that the left party won the 1987 assembly polls as "it joined hands with communal elements".