UDF will sweep Kerala: Antony

Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 (IANS) The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) will sweep the Lok Sabha polls in Kerala, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Tuesday.

"I have travelled the length and breadth of the state and have touched all the 20 Lok Sabha seats, as part of my campaign. I feel, the UDF will not lose a single constituency. I am not saying that we will win all the 20 seats, but it will be a sweep," said Antony talking to journalists here, ahead of his roadshow on the final day of campaigning.

Kerala goes to polls April 10.

In the 2009 elections, the UDF won 16 seats, while the Left could grab only four.

"The performance of the Kerala government deserves kudos and there is no anti-incumbency in the state, as the government has become a role model for development," said Antony.

He slammed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on account of its attitude and old dogma.

"The party refused to change according to time. Look at their support base. It is dwindling. The youth once used to be drawn towards the Left, but that's become the history. These days, few youth go the Left way," said Antony.

Slamming the Left for pursuing politics of murder, the defence minister said he could sense that people are angry with the party, because of the brutal murder of former Communist leader T.P. Chandrasekheran. He was stabbed 51 times. Two Left functionaries have already been arrested in connection with the murder.

Antony said the Left party would be reduced to mere spectators after the polls are over.

There is every possibility of a third United Progressive Alliance government coming to power at the Centre, said the defence minister, adding political parties feel that giving the BJP a chance would mean inviting trouble.

"Don't forget, after 1984 we never had the single majority to rule, but we did rule the country several times, so wait and see," said Antony.

Antony will be casting his vote in the state capital with his wife and children.