'A complete surprise': Pinarayi Vijayan's first reaction on Kerala assembly loss; calls BJP rise 'serious'

NEW DELHI: Outgoing Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the Left Democratic Front’s defeat in the Kerala assembly elections came as a "complete surprise", while asserting that the alliance would function as a responsible opposition and continue to push for social welfare measures in the state.Vijayan, in a first statement after defeat, said the verdict was unexpected for the LDF, which had been seeking a third consecutive term in office."The defeat in the assembly polls came as a complete surprise to us," the CPM veteran said, according to news agency PTI.The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) swept to power in Kerala, ending the decade-long rule of the LDF government headed by Vijayan.Even as he acknowledged the setback, Vijayan said the Left alliance would play the role of a constructive opposition and would continue to raise issues concerning welfare and public interest.“The LDF will act as a responsible opposition and pressure the government to implement social welfare measures,” he said.Vijayan also described the BJP winning three seats in the Kerala assembly elections as a "serious" development, indicating concern within the Left camp over the saffron party’s growing footprint in a state where it has historically struggled to gain electoral traction.The BJP’s performance marks one of its best-ever showings in Kerala assembly elections.