Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan, stated on Saturday that communal politics played a significant role in the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) defeat during the recent local body elections in the state.

He accused the CPI-M of adopting a political agenda akin to that of the BJP, asserting that there is a rising public discontent against the Left government. Satheesan mentioned that the BJP has benefited from what he termed the CPI-M's majoritarian appeasement politics.

During a press conference, he highlighted that the political themes that influenced the previous Assembly elections were evident in the results of the local body polls. He warned that failing to obtain a clear mandate in the upcoming Assembly elections could result in a “political exile” for the Left.

According to Satheesan, the success of the United Democratic Front (UDF) stemmed from widespread public backing spanning various social and political groups. He credited the UDF’s robust performance in the local body elections to the unified efforts of 'Team UDF', noting that the alliance remained cohesive and disciplined throughout the campaign.

“The UDF is not just a coalition of parties; it serves as a political platform of significant social relevance,” he remarked.

Satheesan also criticized the CPI-M leadership, particularly targeting legislator M.M. Mani for his derogatory remarks directed at the public right after the election results were declared. He contended that Mani's controversial statements reflect a broader attitude among senior Left leaders, including the Chief Minister.

The UDF saw a remarkable increase in support during the local body elections, achieving substantial victories across Kerala. The Congress-led front gained control of four out of the six municipal corporations in the state.

Notably, the UDF took over the Kochi and Thrissur corporations from the Left and achieved a historic victory in Kollam, which had long been considered an LDF stronghold. The front also maintained its power in the Kannur Corporation, showcasing its strong performance in these elections.

These local body elections were perceived by all three major political factions as a semi-final ahead of the Assembly elections set for April–May next year. Currently, the Congress-led UDF appears to have made considerable strides, the BJP has also found encouragement in the results, while the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left is facing a phase of reflection following its setback.