Congress sees three ministers losing in Kerala polls

T'puram: CPM may be confident that all LDF ministers will win the elections, but Congress leadership is expecting at least three ministers to bite the dust this time. Congress insiders said the party expects that ministers Roshy Augustine, Veena George and M B Rajesh will not make the cut. The party's preliminary assessment indicated that UDF would win 80 seats though Congress is not confident of its performance in Alappuzha, Thrissur and Palakkad. It is argued that if there is a pro-UDF wave, which is expected, UDF may see surprise wins in these three districts.Congress expects to retain Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram and has high expectations in Vattiyoorkavu, Aruvikkara and Neyyattinkara seats. Though Sabarinadhan and Saratchandra Prasad, UDF candidates in Nemom and Kazhakkoottam, are hopeful of gaining a slight edge over other candidates, DCC is not confident. In Kollam, Congress expects to retain Kundara and Karunagappally seats and wrest Kollam seat from CPM. It expects RSP candidates to win in Chavara and Kunnathur. It also sees strong chances in Kottarakkara and Pathanapuram. At Ambalappuzha, Congress is sure that CPM rebel G Sudhakaran will win. While Ramesh Chennithala would retain Haripad, Congress has high hopes in Aroor and Kuttanad. Congress does not have much hope in Kayamkulam and Alappuzha.Preliminary feedback from workers indicates that there was a pro-UDF wave in Idukki. Congress believes that Mani C Kappan has the upper hand in Pala and expects the front to win Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kaduthuruthy, Poonjar and Changanassery seats. Pathanamthitta DCC is confident that George will lose in Aranmula. The party has high expectations in Pathanamthitta, except Konni. It expects UDF to win all 13 seats, except Kalamassery in Ernakulam.Congress has high hopes in Chalakudy, Thrissur and Manalur seats in Thrissur. It expects Ramesh Pisharody to win in Palakkad by a margin of over 10,000 votes. It is confident in Mannarkkad and predicts that Rajesh will lose in Trithala.Congress is confident that UDF will sweep Malappuram and win a significant number of seats in Kozhikode and Kannur. It expects UDF to win all three seats in Wayanad and predicts that minister OR Kelu will lose in Mananthavady. Congress is confident that it will win Manjeshwar seat in Kasaragod and also win Kasaragod and Trikaripur seats.