Kerala assemebly results: Indira Bhavan erupts as Congress romps home

It began in near silence at Cantonment House — just a handful of party workers, eyes fixed on a giant screen, clapping each time the UDF’s lead inched forward at 9am. There were only enough crowd to annoy a bevy of swans at the lawn. But by 10.30am, that quiet vigil had turned into a roar.As opposition leader V D Satheesan — hailed as the architect of Congress’s return to power after a decade — moved to Indira Bhavan at 11am, the state party headquarters erupted. Workers thronged the gates, dancing, shouting slogans, jostling for a glimpse of their leaders. For the Congress foot soldiers, denied power for a decade, it was the day of a spectacular comeback. More and more people streamed in as if apparently all roads led to the Indira Bhavan.Satheesan cut a giant-sized cake along with KPCC president Sunny Joseph, senior leaders K C Venugopal, Ramesh Chennithala and Kodikkunnil Suresh. They shared a bonhomie when Joseph announced that the result, though not fully out, was a sign that people have rejected the anti-people policies of the LDF govt.Dinesh R Nair, a supporter, who came from Kottarakara, appeared upbeat. “Look at the celebration all around. The people are happy about the win and are celebrating by forgetting themselves. They are happy that the election could bring an end to the arrogance of Pinarayi Vijayan,” he said.By noon, when UDF consolidated its lead showing clear signals of a sweep, the number of people milling about on the campus increased tremendously. “This is a great victory that will bring a change for the state. This is a sign of the leadership quality of opposition leader V D Satheesan,” said Vinod Kumar, who was at the Indira Bhavan.Satheesan kept receiving congratulatory calls from senior leaders in Delhi and other well-wishers. Satheesan was heard saying that “around 75% of the youngsters voted for the party and that people believe that we are credible. We are celebrating with the people of Kerala”.Later, Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal said the confidence the people gave us was very strong. “After our victory in the municipal panchayat elections, Pinarayi Vijayan govt made many attempts to influence the people. This was unprecedented by any communist govt by spending public money to change the sentiments of the people. Those attempts have harmed them,” he said.