Smaller parties to hog limelight: Survey

Kozhikode, May 9 (UNI) An absolute majority would evade the main contenders -- the Congress-led UDF and the CPI (M)-led LDF -- in the Kerala Assembly elections, according to a survey hinting at the possibility of smaller parties hogging the limelight in the post-poll scenario.

Role of smaller partners in both the combines would be significant as the difference between the major players would be a narrow four to eight seats, according to a post-poll survey conducted by Kochi-based Media Research and Development Foundation (MRDF) for newly-launched 'Thejas Daily.' The latest indications were contrary to earlier surveys which predicted an absolute majority for the LDF prompting stiff opposition from their arch rivals.

The survey, which noted a wafer-thin voting percentage margin of two per cent between the main contenders, also forecast depletion of the saffron brigade.

As per the findings, the BJP, which claimed to have registered 12 per cent votes during the last general elections, would have lesser votes this time except in its strongholds of Majeswaram and Palakkad.

As a result, the third largest party would not be able to open its account in the State Assembly this time as claimed by them, it said.

The survey was conducted a few days ahead of the three-phased elections held in Thiruvananthapuram to Kottayam on April 22, Ernakulam to Wayanad on April 29 and Kannur and Kasargod districts on May three.

The result was compiled after recording opinions of 6,880 voters spread across 40 constituencies in all the districts in the state, according to the survey.

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