Analysis of Kerala Polls 2019: Winners and Losers
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - The results of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Kerala were a massive blow to the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which emerged as a clear loser. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 19 of the 20 parliamentary constituencies, marking a resounding defeat for the ruling LDF.
Voting Results and Constituency Breakdown
The elections were held in the third phase of the national election on April 23, 2019. The overall voter turnout in Kerala during this phase was 70.63%, a significant drop from the 73.9% recorded in 2014. Thiruvananthapuram Kerala saw a dramatic shift, with the Congress-led UDF sweeping the majority of the constituencies.
The LDF, however, managed to secure victory in just one constituency, Alappuzha, where AM Arif emerged as the victor over Shanimol Usman. This marked a notable failure for the LDF, which had previously held a strong grip on Palakkad, Alathur, Kannur, and Attingal, but lost them to the UDF.
Despite numerous speculations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might perform well in Kerala, especially due to the popularity of the Sabarimala pilgrimage site, the BJP failed to win any of the constituencies. This disappointment was felt even more keenly among Kerala's voters, who were divided into several factions based on their voting preferences.
Impact on Political Parties
The results of the 2019 elections had a profound impact on various political parties in Kerala. For Congress voters, the results were both depressing and demoralizing, as their party experienced a significant defeat on a national scale. Many voters felt betrayed by Congress's performance.
Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) supporters were shattered by the near-total decimation of both parties. The LDF had traditionally been a dominant force in Kerala, but the UDF's win indicated a shift in the political landscape. The losses at the national level amplified the disappointment at the state level.
BJP supporters, on the other hand, were also unhappy. Although the BJP enjoyed a national victory, their failure to perform well in Kerala dampened celebrations. Many people felt that the local political scenario was different and expected better performance from the BJP.
Conclusion
In essence, the 2019 Kerala elections marked a significant turning point in the political dynamics of the state. While the Congress-led UDF emerged as winners, the LDF and the BJP faced massive defeats. The political landscape in Kerala is likely to undergo a considerable transformation in the coming years, reflecting the changed preferences of the electorates.
For all parties, the results of the 2019 elections are likely to pave the way for new strategies and alliances. It remains to be seen how the political parties will navigate this new terrain. One thing is certain, the political unity and strength that the LDF once had in Kerala have significantly declined.