New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The Left Democratic Front (LDF), spearheaded by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is poised to achieve a historic third consecutive term in the forthcoming Kerala Assembly elections, as predicted by Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby during an interview with IANS.

"In Kerala, the LDF government has triumphed in the past two elections in 2016 and 2021. We remain optimistic about securing a third term if we successfully convey the remarkable accomplishments of the LDF government, which has been led by Pinarayi Vijayan for a decade," Baby stated.

Emphasizing the state's advancements, the CPI(M) leader mentioned that Kerala has enjoyed social peace and harmony, with no communal riots occurring in the last ten years. He highlighted significant strides made in different sectors, particularly in infrastructure development.

The LDF government's achievements include the Vizhinjam port project and the expansion of both national and state highways throughout its two consecutive terms.

Baby asserted that Kerala continues to excel in social welfare, health, and education indices. While expressing confidence in a third LDF victory, he warned against complacency, cautioning that overconfidence might undermine the Front's prospects.

In a pointed critique, the CPI(M) general secretary condemned the Congress party in Kerala for its alleged connections with Jamaat-e-Islami and its political entity, the Welfare Party.

He characterized both organizations as minority communal forces that jeopardize the state's political integrity.

"The Leader of Opposition and Congress figure V.D. Satheesan has openly supported Jamaat-e-Islami and its Welfare Party. This alliance with minority communal factions is perilous," Baby remarked.

Commenting on the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a Congress ally in the UDF, Baby accused the party of leveraging religious symbols for political advantage.

He claimed that although the IUML distances itself from extremist factions, it continues to engage in communal exploitation to sustain its support base.

In a notable observation, the CPI(M) leader adopted a more conciliatory stance towards the Muslim League, stating that while the party does not embody secularism, it is not entirely communal.

Furthermore, Baby alleged that there exists a tactical collaboration between the UDF and the BJP to secure electoral seats, claiming that behind-the-scenes negotiations transpired between the Congress, Muslim League, and the BJP during recent local body elections.

Addressing internal dynamics within the Congress, Baby noted that the discord involving Congress MP Shashi Tharoor appeared to have been resolved after his discussions with senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi.

He remarked that despite earlier indications of Tharoor withdrawing from leadership meetings, the Congress has now confirmed his involvement in the upcoming campaign efforts in Kerala.