KC Venugopal predicts 100 seats for UDF; rules out Kerala CM ambition

Thrissur: Congress MP KC Venugopal on Wednesday expressed confidence in the victory of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala Assembly elections, stating, "UDF is going to win hands down."

He emphasised that Kerala is in need of a "total change," specifically a "change of government."

"It is a clear triumph for the UDF. There will be a change of government in Kerala," he told reporters here today.

Meanwhile, speaking on the Mathrubhumi News election bus, Venugopal expressed confidence that the UDF would secure at least 100 seats.

“A pro-UDF wave is emerging in Kerala. It will take clearer shape over the next ten days. Voters who have not yet made a decision will do so during this period, and there are many such voters in Kerala. If the pro-UDF wave strengthens, the front will secure at least 100 seats,” he said.

Speaking on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), the Alappuzha MP pointed out that, "everywhere we go, people--especially women--are crying" about the LPG crisis. He accused the government of "totally failing" to address the issue, further adding that the government had let down the people of Kerala.

Earlier today, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala too expressed confidence in a UDF victory, citing that the people of Kerala are disappointed by the performance of the ruling Left Front government.

"BJP and CPM are working to defeat the Congress-led UDF. But this will not work in Kerala. In 2021, it was hatched by both of them, and they got the continuation of the ministry. The people of Kerala are completely dejected by the performance of the government. So, I feel that the people will not allow them to continue. And they will be determined to see that the Congress-led UDF will come to power. So, we are very confident that UDF will come back to power," he said.

The Congress leader further stated that there is not a single MLA from the BJP from the last election, and this election, they are not going to open their account.

"That is why they are having an understanding with CPM to get some seats, and they will help them to checkmate UDF. That will not happen because the people of Kerala understood their mischief, and they will vote for UDF," Ramesh Chennithala said.

He criticised the ruling party, claiming that the vital issues are not answered, and now people are totally in favour of the UDF.

Venugopal on becoming CM

Venugopal also responded to the question of whether he would become the Chief Minister of Kerala.

“I began my political journey 48 years ago. It started when I contested as a KSU candidate in the eighth standard. The party has placed me in positions I could never have even imagined. I have never sought anything for myself. In recent days, I have covered six districts as part of the election campaign. We can field only one candidate, but there are many who deserve candidacy.

There are people who work tirelessly for the party 24 hours a day and wish to contest elections, but do not get the opportunity. Yet, when the party leadership makes a decision, they accept it, suppress their disappointment, and step forward to ensure the party’s candidates win. Keeping them together—that is my happiness, not the Chief Minister’s chair.

I am not someone who personally harbours such an ambition,” said K.C. Venugopal.