UDF leaders trash Kerala exit polls

Thiruvananthapuram: KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran along with other UDF leaders on Tuesday put up a brave face trashing exit poll surveys even as several of his colleagues in KPCC refused to share his optimism. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is yet to make his mind clear on the post-poll scene but UDF leaders K. M. Mani and P. K. Kunhalikutty have said the front will get back to power.

Mr Sudheeran told reporters at KPCC office that he firmly believed that the UDF will retain power. He, however, said undue importance should not be given to exit polls and that he was certain that the UDF has a good opportunity to come back to power.

“As per the statistics made available by the respective DCC leaderships, the UDF is expected to gain majority in all the districts. There is no reason for LDF and BJP to be proud in the name of exit polls”, he said. He also said the BJP will not open account in the State.

“All the apprehensions on who would romp home would be known in a day’s time,” he quipped. The CPM central leaders are frequently visiting the State to settle the internal squabbles in the party, he pointed out. KC (M) chairman K. M. Mani who contested from Pala expressed hope that the UDF government would retain its position and he would get a sizable margin and win the elections. Mr Mani said the UDF will get more than 75 seats in the Assembly polls.

“We sought votes highlighting the developmental activities of the UDF government,” he said. “The UDF government implemented many schemes including free treatment for many through the Karunya benevolent scheme. We granted Rs 300 crore to help rubber farmers,” he said.

He also said the bar bribery case did not affect the UDF in the polls. The former finance minister cautioned political parties against writing off Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, promoted by the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam. Indian Union Muslim League leader Mr. P. K. Kunhalikutty also opined that UDF would get the majority to come back to power.