Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has expressed confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would be returned to power in the elections held on Monday.
Speaking to the media at the Georgian School, Puthuppally, after exercising his franchise along with members of his family, Mr. Chandy said that this election will alter the practice of the people experimenting with the two coalitions alternatively.
“They had placed faith in the UDF during the by-elections, the Parliament elections, and the local bodies elections during the past five years. This gives us the confidence that they would continue their trust in the UDF in this election,” he said. The people have accepted the policy of development with care, he added.
Predicting a heavy turnout this time, Mr. Chandy said that the fact that people have come out to vote in good numbers braving the rain was a signal that the UDF was going to win. “The polling percentage would touch the 80 mark,” he said. To a question, he said the responsibility for a victory could be shared by all since it was the unity among the coalition partners which was its corner stone. “In case of a failure, I will be answerable as the chairman of the UDF,” he said.
‘BJP not open account’
Reacting to a question, the Chief Minister said the BJP would not open their account this time. “They will at best be able to seal the leakage of votes unlike earlier. They will not be able to move beyond their cadre base,” he said. “Even in 1977 when they faced the people hand in glove with the CPI(M) they could not win a seat.” he added. According to him, the UDF was facing the electorate on its own strength, not on the weakness of the opponents.
He rejected the possibility of a hung Assembly and said the result would surprise all, but refused to be dragged into a numbers game.
