Is the LDF Ready to Claim Its Third Term in Kerala?

Synopsis
In a bold statement, LDF convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan expresses unwavering confidence in the ruling coalition's ability to secure a third term in Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections. With a strong mandate from the past elections and developmental achievements, can the LDF withstand opposition challenges?
Key Takeaways
- Confidence in electoral success: LDF believes in a strong chance for a third term.
- Past performance: Significant victories in previous elections bolster their confidence.
- Critique of UDF: Accusations of aligning with communal groups to gain power.
- Public approval: LDF's developmental initiatives are recognized by the electorate.
- Upcoming rallies: District-level rallies are set to resume to strengthen outreach.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 11 (NationPress) Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener T.P. Ramakrishnan has conveyed his unwavering confidence that the ruling coalition in Kerala, spearheaded by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will secure a third consecutive term in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
In a media interaction held in Kozhikode on Sunday, Ramakrishnan addressed recent comments made by outgoing KPCC president K. Sudhakaran, who claimed he would go to any lengths to oust Vijayan and the Left Front government.
Dismissing Sudhakaran's assertions, the LDF leader remarked, "In 2016, Pinarayi Vijayan ascended to the Chief Minister’s office with the backing of 91 MLAs. In 2021, in spite of vigorous campaigning by Sudhakaran and others, the LDF was re-elected with a more robust mandate of 99 MLAs. The trajectory is evident. The LDF is poised for a third term in 2026."
Regarding the recent changes in the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee leadership, Ramakrishnan noted that it would not significantly influence the political landscape.
He stated, "The Congress leadership is increasingly out of touch with the people. Their actions are failing to resonate with the public."
Furthermore, he accused the United Democratic Front (UDF) of aligning with communal groups in a desperate attempt to regain power.
"The UDF is seeking to return with the support of communal organizations and has even gained backing from the BJP. Reports suggest that the Indian Union Muslim League is attempting to bring Jamaat-e-Islami into the UDF fold," Ramakrishnan asserted.
However, he insisted these strategies would prove ineffective, as the people of Kerala have recognized and valued the developmental initiatives introduced by the LDF government over the past two terms.
In the meantime, Ramakrishnan declared that the LDF would restart its district-level rallies, which had been postponed due to tensions at the Indo-Pak border.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to address the Kozhikode rally on May 13, with the remaining district rallies set to conclude by May 22.
He added that the national ceasefire measures have fostered a favorable environment for continued political engagement.