Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan believes that the Left is the only force standing in the way of the BJP's 'dream' in Kerala. He spoke to HT about the LDF's governance record, allegations of secret deals with the BJP, and the future of the Left parties in India.
Vijayan said that the LDF government has rescued Kerala from developmental stagnation and corruption, and has delivered welfare pensions without arrears to 6.2 million deserving people. He also stated that the people of Kerala know that this is a government that keeps its promises and want this people's alternative to continue.
On allegations of misappropriation of funds and nepotism, Vijayan said that the CPI(M) is not a movement based on individuals, but on clear policies, ideology, and organisational discipline. He also accused the Congress of peddling baseless allegations and trying to cover up their own weaknesses and tacit understanding with the BJP.
Vijayan also responded to PM Modi's claim that the rivalry between the CPI(M) and Congress in Kerala is fake, saying that the Left parties have joined a broader coalition of secular parties to defeat the BJP, but in Kerala, there are distinct policy differences between the LDF and UDF.
He also addressed allegations of ties with radical outfits, saying that the CPI(M) wages an uncompromising battle against communalism and takes stringent action against extremist organisations. Vijayan assessed the BJP's growth in Kerala, saying that the people have always rejected communal politics and that the BJP's victory in Thrissur was the result of specific circumstances.
On the pressure of losing the election, Vijayan said that the LDF views this as a historic responsibility to take alternative policies forward with greater vigour and conviction. He also mentioned that the administration has made unparalleled leaps in infrastructure development and social security, and is now focusing on creating a vibrant knowledge economy.
