Will V.D. Satheesan Disappear from Public Life if UDF Fails to Win in Kerala?
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Synopsis
V.D. Satheesan's bold declaration raises eyebrows as he vows to disappear from public life if the UDF fails to achieve a massive victory in the upcoming Kerala elections. Will his commitment to lead the Congress party to a remarkable win hold true in the face of criticism?
Key Takeaways
- Satheesan vows to retreat from politics if UDF fails to win big.
- Natesan's criticism highlights political tensions in Kerala.
- UDF aims for a remarkable victory in the upcoming elections.
- Political dynamics among Kerala's major parties are shifting.
- Voter response will be pivotal for the UDF's future.
Kochi, July 28 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan declared on Monday that if he does not successfully lead the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to a significant victory in Kerala, he will retreat from the public eye permanently. "I promise that if I cannot restore the Congress-led UDF to power during the 2026 Assembly elections in a notable manner, I will exit the political arena for good," stated Satheesan.
This comment was a response to the critical remarks made by SNDP leader Vellapally Natesan, who labeled Satheesan as a leader lacking stature and not behaving appropriately for someone in his position.
Natesan serves as the president of the SNDP, the social organization representing the Hindu Ezhava community, the largest community in Kerala.
For some time now, Satheesan has confidently asserted that in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, the Congress-led UDF will triumph with a remarkable majority of 100 seats out of 140 in the Kerala Assembly.
"The only redeeming aspect of his (Natesan's) statement was when he mentioned that if the Congress-led UDF secures 98 seats, he will resign. This indicates he believes we will definitely achieve 97 seats. Thus, to reach my target of 100, we will strive diligently to attain that number," Satheesan remarked.
Currently, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) has been governing the state since 2016, holding 98 MLAs, while the UDF has 42.
Continuing his rebuttal against Natesan, Satheesan expressed: "He is nearing 90 years of age, and I would never resort to the kind of language he used to describe me. Although I won't call for his resignation if we meet our goals, I promise to withdraw from public life and will not be seen again if we fail to reach our objective."
Interestingly, the CPI-M has historically enjoyed backing from the Ezhava community, while Natesan’s son, Tushar Vellapally, leads the BDJS, which is the second-largest partner in the BJP-led NDA in Kerala.
Among Natesan’s longstanding political rivals are Congress General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K.C. Venugopal as well as veteran Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran.
Point of View
V.D. Satheesan's audacious commitment to withdraw from public life if the UDF does not win big is a testament to the mounting pressure on political leaders. His words reflect not only his ambition but also the high stakes involved in the upcoming elections. As the Congress party seeks to reclaim its position against the ruling LDF, the electorate's response to Satheesan's declaration will be crucial in determining the future of the UDF. NationPress will continue to monitor these developments closely.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did V.D. Satheesan say about his political future?
V.D. Satheesan stated that if he fails to lead the UDF to a significant victory in Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections, he will retreat from public life permanently.
Who criticized V.D. Satheesan's leadership?
SNDP leader Vellapally Natesan criticized Satheesan, claiming he lacks stature and does not behave according to the expectations of his position.
What is Satheesan's target for the upcoming elections?
Satheesan aims for the Congress-led UDF to win 100 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly during the 2026 elections.
What is the current political scenario in Kerala?
The Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF has been ruling Kerala since 2016, holding 98 MLAs, while the UDF currently has 42 MLAs.
What did Satheesan say in response to Natesan's remarks?
Satheesan remarked that he would not use the kind of language Natesan employed, and promised to disappear from public life if he fails to achieve his electoral goals.
