Kerala polls: Satheesan says ‘paid’ surveys don’t reflect public mood, calls BJP ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’

Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday (April 4, 2026) alleged that most opinion polls being released ahead of the State Assembly elections are “paid surveys” that fail to reflect the true public sentiment, while expressing confidence that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) will secure “over 100 seats” and come to power.

Addressing a press conference in Kasaragod, he claimed that attempts are being made through such surveys to create an “artificial impression of a neck-and-neck contest.”

“All the surveys coming out now are fabricated and lack credibility. These are efforts to conceal the real verdict of the people,” he said.

Mr Satheesan asserted that a strong anti-incumbency wave prevails in the State, which, he said, would translate into a decisive victory for the UDF.

Attacks Centre on FCRA

He also launched a sharp attack on the Centre over legal provisions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), stating that its clauses are serious in nature and need to be closely examined by leaders such as Suresh Gopi, MP.

He alleged that the Act empowers the government to deny licence renewals at will and could create situations that enable takeover of institutions, including places of worship. He further claimed there were indications that the Centre was preparing a “Church Bill.”

Expressing concern over alleged moves targeting minority institutions and assets, Mr. Satheesan described the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing“ and accused it of weakening democratic systems

The Opposition Leader intensified criticism against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the State government alleging that violence is being unleashed “out of fear of electoral defeat.” He also accused the Chief Minister of remaining silent on the support of organisation such as the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), People Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Clarifying the UDF’s stand, he said the front has decided not to seek SDPI votes and that there has been no change in this position. He added that he had not heard the UDF candidate in Manjeswaram describing SDPI a secular party

Mr. Satheesan further pointed out that the CPI(M) had earlier termed SDPI an extremist organisation at its party congress, but is now ignoring that position. He alleged that for four decades, the CPI(M) had aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami and said people would recognise this “hypocrisy”.

He also voiced concern over the growing influence of religious and communal forces in State politics, reiterating that the UDF remains committed to protecting secularism and democratic values. He expressed hope that the electorate would extend strong support to the front.