Thiruvananthapuram | Breaking his silence after the LDF's heavy defeat in the Kerala Assembly elections, former chief minister and CPI(M) Politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said he accepted the people's verdict and congratulated the UDF on its victory.

In a statement issued by him, after a state committee meeting of the party, Vijayan said that the defeat of the LDF was unexpected and came as a complete surprise.

He said that going forward, the LDF will act as a responsible opposition and will exert pressure on the new government to implement the various welfare measures, like eradication of extreme poverty, women empowerment and social security, that were initiated by the Left government.

Vijayan also termed as "serious" the BJP winning three seats in the Assembly polls and said it was "worrisom" for those who wish to protect secularism.

The UDF won 102 out of the 140 seats in the Assembly polls, while the LDF got 35 seats and three were taken by the BJP.