CPIM workers paint a wall to campaign for LDF candidate ahead of assembly elections in Kozhikode, Kerala (PTI photo) CPIM workers paint a wall to campaign for LDF candidate ahead of assembly elections in Kozhikode, Kerala (PTI photo)

A new opinion poll conducted by CVoter-India TV has re-affirmed Kerala’s practice of alternating between Congress and Left front governments after every five years.

The poll showed that the CPM-led LDF is poised to win at least 86 seats — a comfortable majority in the 140-member state Assembly. At the same time, the Congress is predicted to fare badly with its alliance mustering 53 seats – down from the 72 seats it won in 2011, an election that it had won with a wafer-thin majority. The BJP-led NDA is also not expected to do very well, poised to win just one seat. But that itself is historic considering the BJP has never won a single seat in the state’s history.

The LDF is predicted to attain a vote-share of 44%, the UDF 41% and the NDA 10%.

The numbers point to the heavy anti-incumbency the Congress faces with several of its ministers allegedly having their fingers dipped in corruption scandals. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy himself has been associated with the solar scam, although he has denied all allegations.

The party is also in the midst of severe factionalism, with leaders squabbling with each other over ticket distribution.

For the CPM, a win in Kerala will be a shot in the arm as it currently rules a single state – Tripura. In 2011, it had lost power in both Kerala and West Bengal.

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