CPI-M Dismisses Exit Polls, Cites Vijayan’s Popularity Ahead of Counting
Left dismisses exit polls in Kerala, insists Vijayan’s popularity will secure mandate.
As political uncertainty builds ahead of vote counting, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has rejected exit poll projections suggesting a victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), while simultaneously highlighting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s continued popularity as a sign of public approval for the incumbent government.
The LDF has argued that recent exit polls do not accurately reflect the final electoral outcome and insists that the contest remains tightly balanced. Party leaders have pointed to at least one survey that places Vijayan as the most preferred choice for Chief Minister, using this as evidence of strong leadership acceptance among voters. CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby maintained that there is no significant anti-incumbency sentiment against the government.
According to the Left Front, the perceived popularity of Vijayan reflects satisfaction with governance and continuity in policy implementation over the current term. Party representatives argue that leadership preference and actual voting patterns may differ, suggesting that personal approval ratings do not always directly translate into seat projections. The LDF has therefore chosen to focus its post-poll messaging on governance credibility rather than numerical predictions.
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However, the selective acceptance of favourable exit poll findings while rejecting overall seat forecasts has drawn political attention and criticism from observers. Analysts note that if leadership popularity data is considered credible, it becomes difficult to dismiss broader electoral projections entirely. This contradiction has added to the political debate in the state as both alliances await final results.
The LDF has adopted the slogan “Not Exit, but In,” signalling confidence that the race remains open despite projections favouring the opposition. Party leaders argue that the absence of strong anti-incumbency sentiment gives them an opportunity to secure another term, even in a closely contested environment. They maintain that the final outcome will reflect voter trust in the government’s performance.
Vote counting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, with results expected within hours. While most exit polls indicate a possible advantage for the UDF, the LDF continues to express confidence that the verdict will differ from predictions. The final outcome will determine whether the Vijayan-led government retains power or if the opposition secures a return to office.
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