Opposition raking up Sabarimala as diversionary tactic, says Kanam

Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran has reminded Congress veteran A Okay Antony that it was Kerala that despatched him packing into political wilderness. In an interview with TNIE, Kanam stated Sabarimala is simply an diversionary tactic for the Opposition and the LDF authorities received’t make any adjustments within the affidavit filed within the Supreme Court. Central companies are attempting to blackmail Left leaders within the backdrop of the upcoming polls, he stated. Excerpts:

With simply two weeks left for the meeting polls, how do you assess Left’s possibilities?

The Left is miles forward of others — be it in seat sharing, candidate choice or campaigning. LDF has accomplished the primary spherical of booth-level campaigning and has elicited large response from individuals. It’s certain the Left will proceed in energy. Compared to UDF and BJP, LDF has a superb array of candidates. 

What are the most important elements that might favour the entrance?

The five-year rule of the Left authorities has made a mark on the plenty. People are witness to the welfare initiatives and we now have little question it will replicate within the polls, particularly in as we speak’s precarious financial state of affairs created by the Centre. Compared to different states, the Left authorities in Kerala is much forward in making certain social safety for its individuals. 

It’s the second meeting elections after you took over as CPI state secretary. Do you count on the occasion to do miraculously nicely?

Last time, CPI received 19 out of 27 seats. It was the very best electoral efficiency on the time. This time, we’re contesting in 25 seats. Maybe, as you identified, miracles might occur.Congress veteran A Okay Antony is understood for dropping political bombs forward of polls. His statements at all times are likely to make enormous ripples within the state. He has stated LDF persevering with in energy would spell doom for the state.

Had there been such a shift in Kerala politics as he has noticed, the state wouldn’t have been the place it’s as we speak. What he stated are his private views. He shouldn’t overlook that it was Kerala that despatched him packing to political wilderness.

Is the Left afraid to deal with the Sabarimala concern?

The Left has had no confusion concerning Sabarimala. It’s true there have been points in 2018 whereas implementing the Supreme Court verdict. But nothing untoward was reported in 2019 or 2020. As such, there may be neither any bother at Sabarimala neither is their any unrest amongst devotees. Sabarimala is now being raked up solely within the mild of the polls by some social organisations and Opposition events. Their try is to try to strike an emotional chord among the many plenty in a bid to divert consideration from all that the Left authorities has achieved in 5 years. The chief minister has made it clear that when the SC pronounces its ultimate verdict, there will likely be consultations with all stakeholders. The case is sub-judice. Those who settle for the rule of legislation also needs to know tips on how to wait. 

Recently, you stated the prevailing authorities affidavit will proceed. The verdict has already been pronounced. It is simply the overview petition that’s being thought-about. Why ought to we once more put the cart earlier than the horse? The CPM normal secretary and CM have already made the LDF’s stance clear.

The NSS has been persistent in its assault on the Left over Sabarimala. The Left grew in Kerala overcoming opposition by varied social organisations. LDF is just not afraid of opposition by a non secular or social outfit. We have reposed our religion in individuals. 

A slew of points are being mentioned in polls, together with the alleged CPM-BJP alliance. How will it have an effect on LDF’s prospects?

It’s regular for such ‘startling revelations’ to be made on the time of elections. Recently, O Rajagopal revealed how he had received final time and who all had been in collusion. Revelations from a person who’s not a well-known identify in Kerala politics must be handled as his opinions. In Kerala, the Left is the one entrance that speaks out towards communalism. The allegation that CPM or CPI had gone in for an understanding of types with RSS is completely absurd. 

Opposition chief Ramesh Chennithala has introduced out the difficulty of bogus votes in electoral rolls and it has been vouched by the Election Commission. 

The electoral rolls are ready by the Election Commission. The authorities has no position in it. If there are any complaints, ECI ought to handle them. Take for instance, the difficulty of the Congress candidate in a constituency in Thrissur having three votes and two differing identification playing cards. LDF in Kodungallur has proof of the identical. It is the Congress that has been indulging in such actions. That’s why Chennithala might make an genuine assertion about what they do!

With the current revelations towards the speaker, the gold smuggling case has once more cropped up when elections are across the nook. 

Such experiences will maintain tumbling out until April 6, election day. Central companies have been hovering over the Secretariat. They are busy changing the accused into witnesses and leaking data selectively to a piece of media in a bid to blackmail LDF leaders. The plenty are conscious of their scheming and won’t be taken in by any of those. 

While CPM has been intentionally holding away from controversies, you appear to be courting bother together with your incisive remarks.

We should not fascinated by churning out controversies. But when such meaningless arguments crop up, we’re sure to inform individuals the reality. In case of any factual error in what I say, I’m able to make clear.How a lot will KC(M)’s entry assist LDF? Do you are feeling they had been unduly favoured?

Seat sharing in LDF was accomplished after bilateral talks and all allies had acquiesced to it. There’s no level in cribbing now that somebody acquired extra seats. Before KC(M)’s entry, LDF was ruling in 23 panchayats in Kottayam. Now it has grow to be 51. In Idukki and Pathanamthitta, we received the district panchayat. So it’s undoubtedly a acquire.BJP hopes to make it to double digits this time round.

Let them dream as a lot as they need. Why ought to one restrict oneself whereas dreaming?