INTERVIEW | Left capable of win belief of secular-minded individuals, minorities: Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Distancing himself from Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran’s remarks on Sabarimala, former CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan stated such remarks will not be relevant to the celebration.

In an interview to TNIE, he took a dig on the Congress, saying it ought to make sure the UDF candidate — be it Oommen Chandy or Ramesh Chennithala — is ready to ballot not less than its personal celebration votes in Nemom. Excerpts.

Q: How do you assess the Left entrance’s prospects within the meeting election? 

A: The LDF is assured. The crises throughout the Congress and the BJP too will assist the Left. Systematic strikes by the LDF, be it finishing the seat-sharing course of, candidate choice or organising cadre proper from the sales space stage, pays dividends.

The political situation is in favour of the LDF. The Left has been capable of win the belief of each secular-minded individuals and the minorities. The Congress becoming a member of arms with forces like Jamaat-e-Islami to tackle the BJP has solely alienated them from secular forces.

Q: Left leaders appear bent on setting a political narrative that the battle is between the Left and the BJP.

A: In Kerala, the battle is between the LDF and the UDF. The BJP, with about 15 per cent vote share, comes third. They will neither have the ability to occupy the UDF area nor grow to be a substitute for the Left. The BJP’s political machinations within the state is, nonetheless, an echo of a nationwide complete. But in Kerala, UDF’s weakening could be benefit Left, and never BJP. A marketing campaign is afloat that if the Congress loses, its employees will migrate en masse to the BIP. But latest proof makes it clear that Congress employees will be a part of the saffron celebration even when they win. 

Q:  The BJP has been steadily growing its vote share in Kerala.

A: The saffron celebration’s vote share within the Lok Sabha and native physique polls stay the identical. In 2004, they acquired 12 per cent votes. Even after an alliance with BDJS and different events, they may attain solely 15 per cent. The BJP is in a state of limbo due to Kerala’s secular psyche, regardless of the LDF-UDF equations.

The BJP will have the ability to dominate the political stage solely by shattering that secular mind-set. They have been laboriously making an attempt to do the identical, with solely the Left placing up a stiff resistance. Though a secular celebration, the Congress is but to take up its cudgels on this mission.

Criticism levelled in opposition to the RSS will not be geared toward eliminating the Congress. The CPM doesn’t subscribe to the BJP slogan of a ‘Congress-mukt’ Bharat. 

Q: The Congress is contemplating fielding Oommen Chandy or Ramesh Chennithala from Nemom, the one BJP constituency. 

A: The Congress’ try to area a senior chief will solely serve to assist the BJP. They ought to firstly guarantee not less than its personal votes are polled by the UDF candidate. If the Congress decides to not assist them, the BJP could be defeated. Let Congress area whoever they need — Chandy or Chennithala. 

Q: Why do you say the Congress fielding a powerful candidate from Nemom, Vattiyoorkavu or Kazhakootam — constituencies with a considerable BJP vote base — is geared toward serving to the BJP?

A: The try is to lower LDF votes. Look at Malampuzha the place the BJP is second. The UDF plans to area a weak candidate there. They need to repeat Nemom in Malampuzha.  Why don’t they area a powerful candidate there? 

Q: Minister Kadakampally Surendran’s latest assertion on Sabarimala has been broadly mentioned. Is Sabarimala nonetheless haunting the Left?

A: Sabarimala is a non-issue on this election, because the case is at the moment earlier than the Supreme Court. Once SC points its verdict, the identical could be carried out solely after holding discussions with all stakeholders. Why Kadakampally made such a press release is for him to make clear. The celebration has made its stance clear. We stand with the devotees and our stance will likely be beneficial to them. If anybody makes any such remarks, the identical can’t be perceived as made by the celebration. 

Q: There had been main protests in opposition to the celebration candidates and seat-sharing. Will that have an effect on the Left’s prospects?

A: At the time of candidate choice, many names will likely be floated. Once candidates are introduced, everybody will come collectively in assist. Similar points might additionally come up throughout seat choice. That has occurred earlier too. They are simply regional points.

Q: It’s probably the most essential elections for the Left. How intelligent is the choice to insist on the two-term norm?

A: We insisted on the identical, protecting in thoughts continuity in energy. Thirty-three leaders have been changed with recent faces. It’s a unanimous determination by the state management. The determination was taken after contemplating the West Bengal expertise.