Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan stated that the UDF’s brilliant victory in the Kerala Assembly elections is a magnificent declaration by a secular Kerala. Expressing profound satisfaction, he remarked that he had fulfilled the promise made to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi when he assumed the leadership of the Opposition. He attributed this success to the united struggle of the UDF "family" and extended his gratitude to the voters and lakhs of party workers.

Satheesan noted that in an election closely watched by the entire nation, Kerala adopted a firm secular stance, refusing to surrender to communalism. He added that this mandate should be seen as the Malayali people’s grand announcement to the country that Kerala remains a secular bastion. He assured that the promises made during the ‘Puthuyuga Yatra’ would be honoured, marking the beginning of a new era of governance.

Highlighting a major political shift, he pointed out that even long-term CPM voters and Left-leaning sympathisers supported the UDF this time. This resulted in the collapse of several constituencies previously considered "iron fortresses" of the CPM. The desire for change among those outside the UDF fold strengthened this landslide victory.

The people, Satheesan claimed, took a political decision to end 10 years of misrule. He stated that the UDF is entering government with concrete plans to make Kerala the top state in India. Accepting the mandate with humility and responsibility, he promised that the front is committed to realising the dreams and expectations of the people.

He further noted that the results rendered pre-poll predictions irrelevant. While his earlier claim that a dozen ministers would lose was met with ridicule, the reality saw almost all ministers facing defeat. He pointed out that even the Chief Minister trailed in several rounds, highlighting the depth of the Left’s decline. Satheesan concluded by alleging a "deal" between the CPM and the BJP, which he claimed was thwarted by grassroots workers after the UDF turned the alleged pact into a key campaign agenda.