UDF bastions may shiver

KOCHI: Cooperation Minister C.N. Balakrishnan, veteran Congress leader of Thrissur,  was candid enough to admit that  he was not sure about the UDF returning to power.   Mr. Balakrishnan  was  expressing  his displeasure against the party leadership that had denied him a second chance to contest from his Vadakkancherry seat.

The districts of Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki and Kottayam  have been considered as the UDF  bastions.     In the 2011 Assembly elections,  the four districts had played a crucial role in catapulting the UDF to power. Out of the 14 seats in Ernakulam district,  the front had romped home with 11, while the LDF bagged  a mere three.

As per the exit polls results announced on Monday, the  LDF will make major gains in the district with the UDF facing  setbacks in  Kalamasserry (PWD Minister Ibrahim Kunju) and Tripunithura (Excise Minister K. Babu).  The LDF is projected to win 9-10 seats in the district compared to  4-6 seats  by the UDF.    

The UDF will also receive a severe dubbing in Thrissur district having 13 seats. In 2011,  the UDF had won six.   But, this time the LDF  may win 12.      Similarly, in Kottayam district, out of the nine seats,  the UDF may win only six, one less compared to  2011.

The exit poll predicted a historic defeat for  Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani in Pala. In Idukki district,  the LDF  may win three out of the five seats while the UDF will get two seats. In 2011 too, the  LDF had won three seats in the district.