Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has thanked the party and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) for their support during Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids, saying the organisation stood together with “alertness” in the face of central government action.

He was speaking at a reception organised by the LDF in his native place, Mambaram in Kannur.

Vijayan said all constituent parties of the LDF are carefully examining the reasons for the Front’s electoral defeat, adding that securing 100 seats is not something the United Democratic Front (UDF) is achieving for the first time.

Referring to a past statement by senior Congress leader A.K. Antony, he said: “When this government came to power, A.K. Antony had recalled the time when they assumed office after winning 100 seats. In his enthusiasm over that milestone, Antony had said the LDF would not return to power in Kerala for the next 100 years. But we later saw what happened. The person who made that declaration could not even complete that tenure.”

He added that the LDF did not view a single electoral defeat as the end of its political journey.

Vijayan also alleged that since 2021, attempts had been made by the “Right wing” to create a false narrative that a government must change frequently for democracy to function effectively. He said such messaging had influenced sections of the electorate, but insisted it would not last.

“We do not take seriously the propaganda that everything has ended. The LDF will make a strong comeback. The people’s trust in the LDF has not been eroded,” he said.

He further stated that while some people may have been misled on certain issues, the LDF remained confident of regaining public support, adding that the Front would continue to address people’s concerns.

Vijayan also said that attacks against Left leaders had been ongoing for a long time, but claimed such challenges had never weakened the CPM or the LDF. “The people’s trust has only grown stronger at every stage because our work is without blemish,” he said.

On the ED action, he said the Centre had taken “stern measures”, but the party and the LDF had responded with unity and vigilance. “We express our gratitude for that support. Let us move forward together with one mind,” he added.