In Kerala, election results crucial test for Pinarayi government, Left
Political stakes are higher for Kerala Chief Minister Pinyari Vijayan than the NDA as the final outcome may result in a political tsunami in the state.
The final outcome of the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala is going to be crucial for both chief minister Pinyari Vijayan and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Political stakes are higher for Kerala Chief Minister Pinyari Vijayan than the NDA as the final outcome may result in a political tsunami with aggressive confrontation politics.
Exit polls have indicated that the ruling Left Democratic Front will get maximum five seats in Kerala. NDA is also expected to open its account in Kerala. If it comes true, Pinarayi will have to bear the brunt. Chief Minister Pinyari Vijayan, however, is confident of LDF's victory and has already rejected exit poll predictions. Even his close aides are unable to understand factors behind this confidence.
According to the Kerala Police intelligence wing's poll assessment, ruling LDF has chances only in five Kerala constituencies. CPIM leadership, meanwhile, has estimated that LDF will win at least eight seats.
It, however, could not assess the impact of Rahul Gandhi's entry in Wayanad and cross-voting of BJP cadres in favour of UDF candidates in Kollam, Kozhikode, Vadakara and Kannur.
State leadership feels that the secret pact between the Congress and BJP may ruin its chances in north Kerala.
For BJP in Kerala too, negative poll results may intensify internal conflict. The sharp division in the party ranks has derailed its poll campaigns in many constituencies.
Unrest is brewing in the party regarding with allegations and counter allegation over poll campaigns in Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta. If BJP opens its account in the state, the current leadership may survive for the time being.
Congress is in a jubilant mood as the exit polls have boosted its political morale while the party is facing disaster at the national level.
Mega victory in these polls will help the party to resurrect in Kerala as a political force and prepare the party for the next assembly polls to be held in 2021.
The counting will start at 8am on Thursday in 23 counting stations with 140 counting centres of 20 parliamentary constituencies and results are expected to be out by 2pm.
But official declaration may be delayed and announced only after cross-checking of 5 per cent votes of voter paper trail slips with Electronic Voting Machines during counting.
All eyes are now on counting stations when the day ends in confusion with contradictory signals and tall claims.
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