Thrissur/Kollam: CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby has acknowledged that there is a broader understanding among the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF)
in Keralam to prevent the BJP from gaining ground in constituencies where it is seen as a strong contender. He indicated that such a strategy is necessary in a state where parties aligned under the INDI Alliance remain direct competitors.
Baby’s remarks come at a time when both the LDF and UDF have been publicly dismissing allegations of any tacit understanding. However, his statement suggests that despite electoral rivalry within Keralam, there is a larger political convergence when it comes to countering the BJP. As part of the INDI Alliance at the national level, these parties maintain unity outside the state, but Keralam presents a distinct political dynamic where they compete directly.
Even so, Baby stressed that a coordinated approach becomes essential in constituencies where the BJP has a realistic chance of winning. He pointed out that such a strategy had previously been evident in constituencies like Nemom in Thiruvananthapuram district, implying that electoral tactics may transcend conventional rivalries when faced with a common opponent.
His comments are being interpreted by critics as confirmation that both the LDF and UDF may work in tandem to limit the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections. The statement has also surfaced amid ongoing allegations that the CPI(M) has engaged with organisations such as the banned terror outfit Popular Front of India (PFI)’s political wing SDPI and Abdul Nasser Madani’s PDP in an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes.
Former Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai reacts
Former Goa Governor and senior BJP leader P.S. Sreedharan Pillai strongly criticised the convergence between the Left and the Congress-led fronts, describing it as an “unprecedented” political alignment. Speaking at the Kollam Press Club’s “Vote and Walk” debate programme, he accused both fronts of compromising democratic principles in their attempt to counter the BJP.
Pillai claimed that the simultaneous release of election manifestos by the LDF and UDF reflects a deeper coordination between the two alliances. According to him, this indicates a growing apprehension about the BJP’s rising electoral influence in the state. He also alleged that both fronts are resorting to misinformation campaigns, including claims that Kerala would face neglect under a BJP-led dispensation.
Highlighting recent political developments, Pillai pointed to the BJP’s victory in Thrissur and its success in securing control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation as evidence of the party’s expanding footprint in Keralam.
He argued that these gains have intensified efforts by rival fronts to block the BJP’s progress.
Pillai further alleged that both alliances are attempting to derail the BJP’s development-oriented agenda. He criticised their opposition to legislative measures such as the FCRA, claiming that such resistance is driven more by political motives than substantive understanding. Additionally, he accused the LDF and UDF of attempting to polarise voters by instilling fear within specific communities in order to consolidate electoral support against the BJP.
