With Kerala set to go to the polls on April 6, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tells DH’s Arjun Raghunath that neither the allegations against his office in the gold smuggling case nor his government’s stand on the Sabarimala issue will impact the Left Democratic Front’s chances of winning a second consecutive term in office. But, he alleges, Congress and BJP seem to have a tacit understanding in this election.
Q. Unlike previous governments in Kerala, your government is having a higher chance of continuing in power. What are the aspects that make your government different from previous governments in Kerala?
We have delivered on our promises, been accountable to the people on every step and even gone beyond conventional notions of governance to protect their lives and livelihoods. While facing repeated disasters, we have led from the front. That is why people think that we are different. They see surety in us; they feel secure with us at the helm.
Q. Is there anything that you feel that your government couldn't do or could have done better?
Not really. But, I do think that we could’ve had a better opposition which should’ve helped Kerala to do better with their constructive and reasoned criticism.
Q. When you highlight development as one of the major achievements of your government, the opposition parties are highlighting the protests by CPM against development issues when CPM was in the opposition. (GAIL pipeline is an instance) How will you counter that?
We have always stood for the implementation of the GAIL pipeline. It was one of our major poll promises. Even while in opposition our stance was that it should be implemented and that the genuine concerns of the people - including adequate compensation - should be addressed.
Q. A major criticism by opposition parties against you is that you are very adamant in your stands. Trying to enforce Sabarimala women entry issue using police force and delay in holding talks with PSC rank holders are instances they cite. Is it a fact?
We have come to office after having sworn an oath to abide by the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and evaluates if laws enacted in the country are in accordance with it. And when that Court – the highest in India – strikes down a rule saying that it is unconstitutional, as a State Government, we are constitutionally bound to obey it.
Q. How did the gold smuggling allegations linked to your office affect the government's image? IAS officer M Sivasankar was among the first set of persons you handpicked to your personal staff. Do you regret it now?
There were efforts to link my office to it. However, the very first person who made such an allegation has now backtracked. He is a state-level BJP leader, let us not forget. So, I do not think that it has affected us negatively. On the other hand, it has once again reaffirmed our honesty and integrity, even among our opposers. At this juncture, I wouldn’t want to go into personal comments about my former OSD.
Q. Recent controversy over MoUs with US-based firm for deep-sea trawler manufacturing seems to have created protest among the fishermen community against your government. Will that affect your government's high chances of returning to power? If no, why?
The Government had not signed any MoU. Let us be clear about it. A PSU did, that too without the knowledge of any of the higher-ups concerned. And as soon as that came to our attention, we took measures to cancel it. There were some efforts to misinform the fishing community in the backdrop of these developments. But, I do not think that has had any impact.
Q. Don't you feel that a minister-level discussion with PSC rank holders could have been initiated much earlier so that the criticisms against your government could have been avoided?
Ours is a Government that has made the most appointments through PSC. Even in listening to the grievances of job seekers, we have been exceptional. If existing vacancies aren’t filled up from an existing Rank List, there are grounds for criticism. But, just because one has found one’s name in the rank list, one can’t demand that all appointments now on should be made from that list alone. The Government has the responsibility to cater to the needs of upcoming generations too.
Q. BJP leaders are stating that even if they win only 35 seats they will be able to form government in Kerala. Do you think that what happened in places like Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Puducherry will happen in Kerala also this time? Can we expect a CPM – Congress tie-up in Kerala to resist the BJP from grabbing power? If you feel that BJP will not improve its position in Kerala what is the reason?
There is no question of BJP improving their tally this year. In fact, we have arrested their growth. From 14.96% in 2016, their vote share had come down to 14.88% in 2019 and went further down to 14.52% in 2020. So, it remains to be seen if they will even retain their existing seat.
Q. BJP's long term agenda is 'Congress Mukth Bharat'. Some BJP leaders already stated that Congress is their main opponent in Kerala. Will it help CPM-led LDF in Kerala in this election as BJP will prefer to see Congress not coming to power?
The real question should be if there is INC - BJP bonhomie in the State. National Congress leaders are saying that they will go to BJP if they win. State leaders are saying that they will if they lose. Therefore all indications are that the BJP and the Congress have a tacit understanding in Kerala to defeat us.
Q. Congress leaders allege that you are soft in criticising BJP in your recent political speeches and it is due to CPM-BJP understandings as winning this election is so crucial to CPM as Kerala is the lone state in which the party is in power now. Any truth in such allegations?
Just the other day, I had said that Amit Shah is communalism personified. I’d even pointed to how smuggling has peaked under them. In the last 5 years, I’ve spoken in various parts of the country against the Sangh Parivar to such an extent that I’ve even received death threats. So, how does the question of going soft on them arise?
Q. Often there were comments that there are similarities between you and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially the style of functioning, command over party and government and development agenda. Have you felt so? If yes, did it help the state in any way like taking forward the centre’s development projects in the state?
On issues that the Centre deserves to be criticised, I’ve minced no words in doing so. Demonetization and CAA are just a couple of instances. At the same time, as a State Government, we are mandated to cooperate with the Centre and other State Governments. In a federal structure that is essential, and since we uphold India’s federal principles we’ve ensured that we set aside our differences and work together for the common good. On development projects that States and Centre work together, both have equal ownership. In fact, if you look at many such projects in Kerala, you will see that the State has equal or more share than the Centre.
Q. Do you think that Karnataka Government's decision to impose restrictions on entry from Kerala citing Covid was a politically motivated one? If yes, what could be the reason?
In disasters, it is natural for each Government to want to take care of their own people first. But, in the case of pandemics such as Covid-19 which has affected the whole world, we ought to realise that working together is more effective than going alone. Let me not say more now.
Q. Even as Kerala is still having a low death rate of Covid, the state is facing criticisms for fresh cases still remaining high. How do you see the criticisms?
If you look at the numbers, you will realise that the number of fresh cases has gone down rapidly. We’re better than where we were 5 months back. In the last week alone, there is a 15% drop in the number of cases. On the incidence of Covid, I think the Sero Prevalence Study is a prime indicator. According to the latest study, Kerala has had the least spread and lowest percentage of infection.
Q. There were allegations that Kasargod's backwardness in development was due to lobbying by Mangalore, especially hospitals lobbies. How will you comment on that?
Historically Kasaragod has been part of the Dakshina Kannada region. So naturally, people are used to going to Mangalore for several reasons, even for basic needs. We ought to remember this. As for the development of Kasargod goes, we have made giant strides over the last few years. Highways, hospitals, schools etc. have seen a major facelift. In another 5 years, we will be thinking of Kasargod as a developed region.
Q. V S Achuthanandan may not be able to campaign this time due to old age and health. How will it affect CPM's prospects?
I don’t think I should comment on his health. However, we should note that it is not people, but politics that is key in elections; Issues matter more than individuals.