Kerala local body polls: Vijayan thanks voters as LDF leads, says 'victory for secularism'

Thanking citizens for reposing ir faith in ruling LDF government, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remarked that win in local body polls symbolizes victory for 'secularism and inclusive development'. Left Democratic Front (LDF) is leading in 520 of 945 grama panchayats whereas Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in 371. In a veiled attack on BJP, CM Vijayan also stated that efforts to destabilise government using central ncies have been defeated. state is also expected to go to polls again in May 2021 for Assembly elections. 

Highlighting that win was 'public's victory,' Vijayan asserted that results have shown that UDF and its 'opportunistic politics' have in Kerala. He also accused Congress of siding with BJP to malign LDF. 

"People accepted development works carried out by LDF govt in last four years. Those who were behind disinformation campaign thought that people's mandate can be turned against LDF. I congratulate & thank all voters who were t influenced by false campaign & supported LDF," Vijayan said. 

READ | Kerala Local Body Election Results: Left Trounces Congress, BJP Fares Better

Opposition Congress-led UDF was leading in 375 grama panchayats, 44 block panchayats, 45 municipalities and three district panchayats. BJP is ahead in 23 grama panchayats and two municipalities, including Pandalam, which was centre of protests against entry of women of banned group into Sabarimala Ayyappa shrine. LDF is also on its way to 10 of 14 district panchayats and also leads in 45 Municipal Corporations. 

READ | Trends Show LDF Ahead In Civic Polls In Kerala

Issuing a response to trends, BJP state chief K Surendran pointed out positives from results so far. Surendran highlighted that BJP's seat share has increased and people have accepted Narendra Modi's welfare programmes. "In last election, Congress won 21 seats in Thiruvananthapuram corporation w it has only 8 seats. fight is between BJP & CPI(M) in state," he said. 

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