CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan in the state capital during the local body election campaign. Below are some excerpts from the interview:
Voting trends in local body, Assembly, and Lok Sabha elections differ. However, in local body elections, the outcomes generally favor us more. Our cadres and their daily political activities are fundamental to our party. The connection between the organization and the public is robust. Our political agenda is intertwined with the lives of the people. Consequently, for CPI(M), identifying candidates is not a challenge. Other parties struggle to present candidates. For the LDF, and particularly for CPM, we frequently hold an advantage in local body elections, and this time, the circumstances are favorable for us.
The regions within the Kannur corporation have traditionally not been advantageous for us. It has consistently been an anti-Communist region. In corporation elections, it often results in a significant defeat for us. However, this time, we anticipate a shift. Our goal is to reclaim the Kannur corporation and maintain control over all five other corporations.
LDF, UDF, and BJP are competing in this election. The BJP has asserted that it will seize power in the state, but this assertion is misguided. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Thrissur and the 2016 Assembly elections in Nemom, the BJP’s victories were due to the shifting of Congress votes. Our voter base has remained stable. Thus, the BJP is not yet a significant third force in the state. The BJP is utilizing communal strategies to broaden its support in the state. There is a risk of communal discord. We require decisive actions to counter both minority and majority communalism. The BJP secured numerous seats in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation last time, but they will not achieve similar success this time. We will maintain our power.
Indeed, they are incarcerated. However, we have taken a firm position, and there is nothing concealed. We have not instructed anyone to commit theft. Should they have engaged in any wrongdoing, the party will act at the appropriate moment. Neither of them serves as public representatives. Once the investigation is completed, we will respond at the right time. We cannot take a stance in reaction to every phase of the inquiry.
Let the police SIT present a charge sheet in court, and then we will assess the situation. It is the media’s narrative that the party will face difficulties if it fails to act. This is not the perception of the public. On the first day, I stated that not a single inch of the gold belonging to Sabarimala should be lost. Anyone responsible for such a loss of gold must face legal consequences. We will not shield anyone. The party and the government will not interfere with the SIT investigation. This is in contrast to the hawala case where BJP leaders are implicated. What has become of that case? It has vanished.
Not only the charge sheet, but let everything be revealed. We will assess and make a determination.
The UDF lacks a campaign this time. That is the reality. With the sexual assault allegations against their MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, their campaign has lost momentum. The UDF asserted that there exists an anti-incumbency sentiment in the state. This is entirely untrue. We have been in power for nine and a half years, and it is the opposition that finds itself in a precarious position. An MLA is in hiding, and he is being shielded by the Congress. If he were not being protected, he would have been apprehended. Furthermore, Congress leaders are facing scrutiny for defaming the complainant on social media. There are additional victims who remain silent. Congress leaders aim to suppress them and prevent their emergence. This exemplifies a criminal conspiracy.
There is nothing further to discuss. I was curious as to why they (ED) had not issued a notice. Elections are approaching.
How can the CPM and BJP reach a mutual understanding? What is the situation regarding the National Herald case, where Rahul and Sonia Gandhi face accusations? Does this form part of the Congress-BJP agreement? What rationale supports this? The Congress party claims political persecution only when their leaders face arrest, yet they did not express similar sentiments in the case of Arvind Kejriwal.
The Congress party bears responsibility for that electoral defeat. They contested a significant number of seats but lost the majority. This pattern was evident in the previous election as well. They lack sufficient candidates. Without a robust organizational structure, how can they expect to secure victory? This issue transcends Rahul Gandhi’s leadership; it lies within their policies. They are unable to adopt a firm stance against the BJP. They aspire to be the dominant force but struggle to collaborate with other parties. In Delhi, they failed to include the AAP in their strategy.
This is insufficient. The Congress party is a national entity with a presence in every state. It must address its shortcomings. We contend that the issue is not about leadership. It is crucial that anti-BJP votes remain united. Had the votes not been divided, victory in Bihar would have been achievable.
Chief Minister Pinarayi is set to spearhead the LDF campaign in the upcoming Assembly elections, without a doubt. The course of action following that will be determined at the appropriate time. There is no necessity for speculative responses. Age should not be a consideration; rather, it is about one’s capacity to perform the role effectively. Is there any uncertainty regarding the Chief Minister’s capabilities? I believe not.
