THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the UDF had a upper hand in Travancore region in the 2011 Assembly polls, this time around it seems to be a huge surge for the LDF in southern districts if exit poll results are any indication. While the story in Alappuzha is not going to be much different from 2011 when the LDF won seven out of nine seats, this time the victory is hard fought.
The entry of BDJS in electoral scene was seen by political observers as a major setback for LDF as it was tipped to lose its substantial Ezhava base. However, the trend indicates that the UDF might have lost more Ezhava votes than the LDF.
Pathanamthitta is also showing favourable results for the LDF. Media personality Veena George might upset Congress strongman and sitting MLA Sivadasan Nair in Aranmula. LDF is tipped to sweep Kollam again. In 2011 it won 9 out of 11 seats.
If the LDF manages to hold on to the same score, it would be a big victory especially since RSP had crossed over to UDF. Cine actors Mukesh, Ganesh Kumar are expected to win from Kollam and Pathanampuram respectively. The biggest blow for the UDF is expected to come in Thiruvananthapuram district.
While the front won nine seats, the LDF had to satisfy with five. But this time around the BJP has also come up as strong contender with the party even predicted to open its account in Assembly from the district. The LDF has a clear edge in Travancore as per most exit poll surveys and if it turns out to be true, the CPM led front would win a landslide on May 19.
