Thiruvananthapuram: Outgoing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has issued his first response following the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) debacle in the Assembly elections. In a detailed Facebook post, Vijayan congratulated the victorious United Democratic Front (UDF) and stated that he accepts the people's mandate with respect. He admitted that, for the Left, the election results were "entirely unexpected”.

Despite missing out on a projected third consecutive victory, Vijayan noted that a large section of the population remained steadfast with the LDF, which provides the front with "great confidence”. He asserted that the policies proposed by the LDF government are essential for the public and vowed to apply "democratic pressure" on the new administration to ensure their implementation.

Full text of the post:

"I accept the mandate delivered in the Assembly elections with respect and extend my congratulations to the UDF on their victory.

For the Left Democratic Front, the election results are entirely unexpected. We thank the people for the support they extended to the LDF despite all the negative campaigns and attacks. Although we missed out on the victory we anticipated for a third consecutive term, the fact that a large section of the people stood firmly with the LDF gives us great confidence.
 

This mandate is not an end for the LDF, but a new beginning for continued political activity. We are committed to regaining the people's trust in an improved manner and moving forward more strongly. There is no doubt that the development activities and welfare schemes implemented over the last 10 years have created major changes in society. Strong public vigilance is required to ensure these do not stall and are carried forward.

Through a robust Opposition stance, we will ensure that the visions put forward by the LDF for the creation of a 'New Kerala'—including a knowledge economy, youth employment, social justice, public health and education—continue to progress. Our policies, including the eradication of extreme poverty, women's empowerment and social security, are necessary for the people. We will exert democratic pressure on the new government to implement them.

We will support any good measure that raises the living standards of the people. Simultaneously, we will respond strongly against anti-people decisions. The LDF’s goal is to function as a responsible Opposition.

Protecting Kerala's secularism and pluralism is the fundamental stance of the LDF. Certain indications in this election are concerning for those who wish to protect secularism. The BJP winning three seats is a serious matter. Our struggle against divisive politics will continue without compromising with any form of communalism.

As mentioned previously, widespread false propaganda took place during this election. The role played by certain media outlets in this regard needs to be seriously examined. Presentations relying on half-truths, exaggerations and factually incorrect campaigns are not beneficial to democracy. Nevertheless, the LDF believes it is important to learn from these experiences and move forward.

The LDF has decided to comprehensively review the election results and listen to the opinions of all comrades. We intend to conduct a democratic and open examination. We will seriously evaluate the concerns, opinions and criticisms arising from the public and our workers following the results. Decisions will be made after hearing everyone’s views.

Tens of thousands of workers toiled day and night for the LDF during this election. I salute them all.

This result occurred within a political climate created by the combined forces of our opponents—the UDF, the BJP, and the stance of certain media outlets. At least some people were caught up in the false propaganda of certain centres with anarchist and apolitical characteristics. Serious efforts will be made to convince them of the facts.

Respecting the verdict given by the people, we are ready to work more strongly. Lies and false propaganda originating from corporate PR agencies will not hold us back. The lapses that occurred in the LDF’s positions and interventions will be examined democratically. Necessary corrections will be made. By strengthening our bond with the people, the LDF will move forward with more clarity and confidence.

The struggle for Kerala's future, the welfare of its people, and for democracy and secularism will continue.

I thank everyone who stood with the LDF once again. I guarantee that we will return stronger to regain the trust of the people of Kerala."