Left Scores High on Welfare In Kerala, V D Satheesan Emerges Top CM Choice: Survey
Survey shows Kerala Left government scoring high on welfare while V D Satheesan tops chief minister preference.
A recent pre-poll survey in Kerala highlights the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's strong performance on welfare schemes, while Congress Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan emerges as the top choice for Chief Minister among respondents. Conducted by public opinion platform Vote Vibe ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the findings reflect shifting voter sentiments in the politically charged state.
Satheesan secured 25.2% support as the preferred CM candidate, narrowly ahead of incumbent Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at 21.5%, with CPM's K.K. Shailaja at 15.8% and BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar at 10%. The survey underscores Satheesan's rising popularity, outpacing Congress veterans like Shashi Tharoor (9.2%), amid perceptions of fresh leadership within the United Democratic Front (UDF). This edge signals potential anti-incumbency against the LDF after a decade in power.
The LDF scored highly on welfare and social security, with 44.5% of respondents expressing satisfaction despite 44.3% rating overall government performance negatively. Key concerns included unemployment (23.2%), price rise (18.8%), and alcoholism or drug abuse (11.4%), while 44.2% believed corruption allegations against the government. Such metrics highlight the LDF's retention of support among female voters and through organizational strength, even as the UDF leads on leadership renewal.
Also Read: Dissent In CPM After Party Picks Jayachandran Instead Of M M Mani
Earlier surveys by poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu reinforced Satheesan's lead within Congress circles, surpassing seniors like Ramesh Chennithala and K.C. Venugopal. These polls, featuring questions on candidate selection and governance drawbacks, aim to guide UDF strategy, with debates on pre-poll CM announcements gaining traction.
The results point to a tight electoral contest, with 27.7% viewing BJP growth as more damaging to LDF than UDF (18.7%). Kerala's voters, known for alternating fronts, weigh welfare continuity against calls for change as campaigns intensify toward the polls.
Also Read: NSS Denies Security Screening Ahead Of Vice President’s Mannam Samadhi Visit
