Kerala polls: Satheesan says ‘paid’ surveys don’t reflect public mood, calls BJP ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’

Kerala's V.D. Satheesan criticizes 'paid surveys' ahead of elections, asserting true public sentiment favors the UDF for a decisive victory.

Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday (April 4, 2026) alleged that most opinion polls being released ahead of the State Assembly elections are “paid surveys” that fail to reflect the true public sentiment, while expressing confidence that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) will secure “over 100 seats” and come to power.

Addressing a press conference in Kasaragod, he claimed that attempts are being made through such surveys to create an “artificial impression of a neck-and-neck contest.”

“All the surveys coming out now are fabricated and lack credibility. These are efforts to conceal the real verdict of the people,” he said.

Mr Satheesan asserted that a strong anti-incumbency wave prevails in the State, which, he said, would translate into a decisive victory for the UDF.

He also launched a sharp attack on the Centre over legal provisions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), stating that its clauses are serious in nature and need to be closely examined by leaders such as Suresh Gopi, MP.

He alleged that the Act empowers the government to deny licence renewals at will and could create situations that enable takeover of institutions, including places of worship. He further claimed there were indications that the Centre was preparing a “Church Bill.”