ABSTRACT
The Kerala paper refers to the continuity in the long-term voting trend in the state as the electoral contest remained mainly between the UDF and the LDF despite the unmistakable presence of the BJP. The author attributes it to the winnability factor as the ‘leftover parties’ including the BJP were not seen as winnable in the state. The verdict going in favour of the UDF in this election could be attributed to the possibility of the Congress and its allies forming the government at the centre whereas the CPI(M) led LDF was not perceived by the electorates as having any possibility to play any such role. In fact, the massive support received by the UDF from all caste/class sections adversely affected the prospects of LDF despite not having any notable negative feeling against the incumbent Left coalition government. Moreover, the LDF policy towards the Sabarimala temple issue and a strong anti-NDA wave in Kerala also helped the UDF to increase its popular mandate. The decision of Rahul Gandhi to contest from the state was another contributory factor to the Congress win.
