Shashi Tharoor Confident UDF Will Win Kerala; Expresses Skepticism About Exit Poll Accuracy

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday expressed confidence that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is strongly positioned to win the Kerala Assembly elections, while also reiterating his skepticism about exit polls. His remarks came after multiple survey agencies projected an advantage for the opposition alliance in the state.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP said he had campaigned extensively across Kerala and received encouraging feedback throughout the election period. According to Tharoor, he travelled through most of the state’s districts and covered nearly 59 constituencies. Based on responses from party workers, voters, and local observers, he said the UDF could secure more than 75 seats in the 140-member assembly.

Despite his optimism, Tharoor said he was “not a fan of exit polls” in India, citing the country’s social and regional diversity as a challenge for accurate forecasting. He noted that factors such as caste, class, language, gender, and local political dynamics often make it difficult to obtain a representative sample of voter sentiment.

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Several exit polls released after voting suggested an edge for the Congress-led alliance. Axis My India projected a comfortable majority for the UDF, while also indicating limited gains for the BJP-led NDA and a reduced tally for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Other pollsters also forecast a competitive race but placed the UDF ahead.

Kerala went to polls in a single phase on April 9 and registered a voter turnout of 78.27%, reflecting strong public participation. The final results will determine whether the Congress-led alliance returns to power or whether the Left front retains control of the state. Until official counting is completed, political parties are expected to remain cautious despite encouraging projections.

Also Read: Pinarayi Vijayan Leads Kerala CM Preference at 33%, Shashi Tharoor Ranks 10th: Axis Poll