A.K. Antony Predicts Inevitable Regime Change in Kerala
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, March 31 (NationPress) Esteemed Congress figure A.K. Antony declared on Tuesday that a governmental shift in Kerala is "inevitable," asserting that the voters have already reached their conclusions ahead of the election date.
Kerala is set to conduct its elections on April 9, where 140 new legislators will be chosen.
Antony remarked, "The citizens of Kerala have already cast their votes in spirit," anticipating a significant comeback for the United Democratic Front (UDF).
He confidently stated, "Like a thunderstrike, the UDF will re-emerge. The public has resolved that this government must exit," referring to the current administration as merely a "caretaker government."
Despite retiring from active politics, the three-time Chief Minister continues to engage with the public daily at the state party headquarters.
In a pointed critique of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Antony accused him of being "invisible" to the general populace and evading interaction.
He compared the State Secretariat to a "fortress of Ravana," suggesting that the Chief Minister is intolerant of dissent.
Antony further claimed that the UDF does not need an extensive campaign, arguing that the mere notion of a third consecutive Vijayan government would sway voters towards UDF.
Emphasizing the unprecedented unity within the Congress-led UDF, Antony noted that the coalition is now more united than ever.
He asserted that the idea of a third term for the Left Democratic Front has "stunned" the electorate.
“Even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers support, the populace will reject a third Vijayan government. It would be a significant disaster,” he stated.
Pointing out the evolving political landscape, Antony remarked that while dissent was previously mostly found within the Congress party, it has now shifted, with Left supporters increasingly distancing themselves from the ruling party.
He maintained that the Bharatiya Janata Party has limited electoral prospects in Kerala, suggesting it indirectly aids the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Antony also claimed that the BJP is not interested in having a Congress Chief Minister in the state, alleging an unspoken agreement between the CPI(M) and the BJP, a claim likely to escalate the political rivalry as Kerala approaches the polls.