Pre-poll survey predicts LDF retaining power in Kerala

A pre-poll survey in Kerala has predicted that the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front may retain power in Kerala in the coming Assembly polls.

The survey by Asianet News and C fore research organisation found that the LDF may win 72 to 78 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly, while Congress-led United Democratic Front may get 59 to 65 seats and the BJP-led NDA may get three to seven seats.

In a poll on who should be the next Chief Minister of Kerala, 39 per cent of participants preferred Pinarayi Vijayan to remain as the next chief minister, while 18 per cent preferred Congress leader Oommen Chandy. Nine per cent preferred Shashi Tharoor as chief minister, seven per cent preferred Health Minister K K Shailaja and six per cent each preferred Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala of the Congress and BJP Kerala president K Surendran.

Over the years, Kerala had been witnessing the Congress and CPI(M)-led fronts exchanging power and hence if the left-front manages to retain power this time, it would be a major achievement.

The survey also found that free ration supply to all during Covid-19 lockdown and enhancing social welfare pensions were the major achievements of the LDF government.