Thiruvananthapuram: Breaking his silence after the Left Democratic Front’s heavy defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections, former chief minister and CPI(M) Politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said he accepted the people’s mandate and congratulated the United Democratic Front (UDF) on its sweeping victory.
In a statement issued following a state committee meeting of the party, Vijayan described the LDF’s defeat as unexpected and said it came as a complete surprise.
He said the LDF would function as a responsible opposition going forward and would continue to press the new government to implement welfare initiatives introduced during the Left government’s tenure, including measures aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, empowering women, and strengthening social security.
Vijayan also termed the BJP winning three seats in the Assembly elections as “serious” and said it was “worrisome” for those committed to protecting secularism.
In the Assembly polls, the UDF secured a massive victory by winning 102 out of 140 seats, while the LDF managed 35 seats. The BJP won three seats.
With PTI inputs