Kerala Assembly polls 2026: UDF spreading lies to mislead people, LDF will retain power in Kerala: T.P. Ramakrishnan

How do you view the prospects of the LDF in the elections?

The LDF will surely retain power in Kerala. The government has been able to implement numerous development projects in the past 10 years. The investment climate in the State has improved and industrial sector has got a boost. When it comes to social welfare schemes, Kerala is a role model for other States. Our election manifesto is a seeking a mandate to continue this work. We have already eliminated extreme poverty and the next focus is on eradicating absolute poverty. To do that, the income in homes should be increased. Fifty per cent of women need to get jobs. Kudumbashree units should be strengthened for the purpose. The Knowledge Economy Mission will take practical steps in this direction.

A major part of the campaigning is already over. What are the challenges you have had to overcome?

There are no such major challenges as such. However, some of the campaigning tactics of the United Democratic Front (UDF) are aimed at dividing people. Lies are being spread to mislead people and create discord among them. We are against such strategies. During the campaigning in my constituency in Perambra, we have been focussing on development and social welfare and upholding secularism and communal harmony. But, even that is being misinterpreted and new allegations are levelled to create differences of opinion among the people.

The LDF suffered major reverses in the local body polls and among the reasons cited were the anti-incumbency feelings against the government and a consolidation of minority votes. Have you been able to address them?

They cannot be called the real reasons for the setback we faced in the local body polls. It is true that we did not get the expected electoral outcome. If the results were a referendum on the development works the government had taken up, it should have happened in a different way. However, we did not hire a PR agency to assess the results. We went directly to the people and sought their views. I personally visited at least 100-150 houses. There was not even a hint of anti-incumbency. Meanwhile, there were local disputes and criticisms related to our involvement in issues. Thereafter, we took corrective steps. People have understood our intentions and it should reflect in the upcoming polls.

The perceived antagonism of the minorities is part of a propaganda. Some media outlets are giving it undue coverage and baseless allegations are being circulated. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the LDF have stood with the minorities and the backward classes. We have implemented many projects for their welfare will continue to do so. If the minorities have any differences of opinion or misunderstandings, they can be sorted out through talks.

A complaint has been lodged by the UDF against your campaign team in Perambra in Kozhikode. It has been alleged that public announcements with communal overtones were made against your UDF opponent Fathima Thahiliya?

We have never indulged in any communal campaign. My campaign activities are all recorded. We will examine if there is any move has deviated from our principled political position or if there has been any attempt to spread fake news or false announcements. We will take a stand accordingly. The campaign strategies of the UDF, especially on social media, should also be monitored. They are trying to divert attention from the real issues.