Exclusive: 'People of Kerala will not forgive the LDF government'
The Congress party and its many groups are contesting a tough battle against the Left Democratic Front and an evolving Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala which goes to the polls on April 6. Days ahead of the voting, Asianet Newsable's Yacoob reached out to All India Congress Committee General Secretary for Kerala, Tariq Anwar.
FollowThe Congress party and its many groups are contesting a tough battle against the Left Democratic Front and an evolving Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala, which goes to the polls on April 6. Days ahead of the voting, Asianet Newsable's Yacoob reached out to All India Congress Committee General Secretary for Kerala, Tariq Anwar.
This election, in particular, is a big challenge for UDF as surveys indicate a clear majority to LDF. What's your take?
No, I don't think so. Everybody knows that Kerala's tradition is that one-time LDF (will win the mandate), next time it will be UDF. For a long time, this tradition has been going on. Anti-incumbency is very strong too. (There are) So many serious charges against the government -- gold smuggling (case) to unemployment. Fishermen are unhappy because they (LDF) have a secret understanding with an American firm. They think they have been cheated. So I think we will benefit from the controversies during this regime (LDF government).
There is an accusation that Congress is on the backfoot in Kerala considering it is failed to pitch a CM's face, whereas LDF is gone ahead with Pinarayi Vijayan...Â
No, I don't think so. In every state election, we never declare our chief ministerial candidate before the result. Our tradition is that after the election when we get the majority, we will take our MLAs into confidence. Their view is very important. After taking their view, the high command will decide the chief ministership.
In a recent interview to Asianet Newsable, former Congress leader PC Chacko openly said about groupism and took the names of Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala. Will this factor not damage Congress chances?Â
I don't think groupism is a new thing, particularly in Kerala. I think groupism has been there for 30-40 years, but they are Congressmen, educated Congressmen. Of course, they want some preference. But ultimately, they (High Command) see that who can win the election. This time, we have taken precaution too and consulted all Members of the Parliament, senior leaders from Kerala, and we have given a large representation to youths. You will find out from our list that around 55 per cent of new faces are going to contest this time. This generation change is happening for the first time in the Kerala Congress.
What are issues that Congress is reaching out to the voters in this election?Â
Corruption is the main issue, followed by development and unemployment. Actually, the five-year performance of the LDF has not been up to the mark. Every section is unhappy with its performance. The farmers' community is also unhappy because they are not getting the exact price for their crops. The youth and students are unhappy because of this government's backdoor appointments; they gave appointments to their relatives and friends. Ultimately, they (LDF) decided not to appoint (deserving candidates).
After tasting success in the municipal elections in a few pockets of Kerala and with issues like Sabarimala, BJP seems to be gaining ground in a state where power has revolved around LDF and UDF. What do you have to say about this?Â
On the Sabarimala issue, their stand is not clear. They are still confused. Our stand is very clear. When we have our government, we will file an affidavit in the Supreme Court. We will see that the sentiment of a particular community and devotees is maintained.
Former bureaucrats and retired judges are joining the BJP. Notably, 'Metroman' E Sreedharan endorsed and joined the BJP too. Don't you think that this will make a significant impact?
Retired people can improve the quality of the administration. But people will not accept those working in a different capacity, and after retirement, they want a political position. So people will see who stands with them from day to day and who works with them. Public connection is very important in politics.
After G-23 leaders asked for reforms in Congress, now National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah has openly said that Congress should wake up. What do you have to say?
First of all, Farooq Abdullah is not a Congress leader. He is the leader of his own party. Whatever he wants, he can say for his party only (National Conference). How can he give any opinion about another party? Congress party is a national party. We are capable of making our own decisions.Â
How many seats is Congress hoping to win this time?
We will get the absolute majority this time. In the coming days, we will form the government.Â
As senior leaders in Kerala engage in an ego battle, Rahul Gandhi Kerala is touring the state. Will it have any impact on results?
Very much. I was with him. When he was touring different constituencies, the response was tremendous. I can say, all sections of society, particularly women and youth, are with us.
Left has accused the central government of harassment using agencies to target it. It has used this issue repeatedly in its election campaign...
Nobody denies that the central government is misusing constitutional authority and institutions. But this is the first time a gold smuggling case has come against the chief minister's office. I think I have never heard of such a case in any other state. Their (LDF) denial is unacceptable when people will see that these types of serious charges -- smuggling and corruption -- and corruption in employment and other things, people will not forgive.
First Tom Vadakkan, then PC Chacko and now Vijayan Thomas. Is the Christian community support dwindling from Congress?
No, they (disgruntled leaders who left Congress) are individuals. They are not representative of the community. I think the Christian community was with the Congress, and they will be with the Congress. They have seen the national scenario, what is happening to the community at the hands of BJP goons and anti-social elements.
