Congress Sets Boid 'Century' Target: Vows 100 Plus Seats To Storm Back To Power In Kerala
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan delivered a fiery closing speech at the “Lakshya” conclave, expressing confidence that the UDF would secure more than 100 seats.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress state leadership wrapped up its two-day conclave in Wayanad on Monday with a strong call to target 100 seats in the upcoming assembly elections, aiming to bring the UDF back to power after a decade of LDF rule.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan delivered a fiery closing speech at the “Lakshya” conclave, expressing confidence that the UDF would secure more than 100 seats. He said Team UDF was heading into the polls with the most inclusive political platform, representing all sections of political and social groups. Many former Left supporters, frustrated with the LDF’s pro-BJP stance on several issues, have shown interest in backing the UDF, believing the CPM has abandoned its ideology and core values. Satheesan hinted at surprises before the elections, suggesting that several outfits may join the front.
Many in the party believe that winning 100 out of 140 assembly seats is easier said than done. The Congress-led UDF hit the 100 mark under A. K. Antony’s leadership, bringing the front to power in 2001, when Congress won 62 seats. Currently, the party holds 21 seats, and adding at least 40 more will be a tough challenge.
However, Congress remains confident of reaching the target, believing people are fed up with LDF rule and want change. This was reflected in the recent local body polls, where the UDF scored a decisive win over the LDF in both rural and urban areas. In assembly segments, the UDF led in 75–78 seats, while the LDF was ahead in 60.
The Congress leadership feels that their main task now is to keep up the momentum until the assembly elections. Satheeshan emphasizes that they’re not looking for votes based on empty rhetoric or false promises. “We’re putting together a detailed vision document outlining the UDF’s plans in key areas like the economy, education, health, industry, and the IT sector. These have been shaped by input from both the public and experts in various fields,” he explained.
The Congress is relieved that the BJP’s much-publicized Christian outreach failed to gain traction in Kerala. This was one of the reasons for the BJP’s vote share dropping from nearly 20 per cent in the Lok Sabha polls to 14.6 percent in the local body elections. Political observers believe that if the local polls had taken place after Christmas, the BJP’s share would have fallen even further due to attacks on Christians during festival seasons in several states.
The Congress has dismissed reports that many of its leaders are eyeing the chief minister’s post as baseless. “Yes, we have many leaders capable of becoming chief minister, and that reflects our party’s strength,” said Satheeshan. The party has instructed its leaders at all levels to spread out across their constituencies and prepare for the upcoming elections.
