Congress going soft on BJP to counter us: Pinarayi Vijayan

Kerala’s newly-appointed chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has become the face of a modern communist leader by proving that wealth creation and ideological growth can go hand in hand. In a conversation with HT’s Ramesh Babu, Pinarayi talks about his victory and the competition Left faces from right-wing parties.

Kerala’s newly-appointed chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has become the face of a modern communist leader by proving that wealth creation and ideological growth can go hand in hand. In a conversation with HT’s Ramesh Babu, Pinarayi talks about his victory and the competition Left faces from right-wing parties.

Kerala Governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam greeting newly sworn-in chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvanathapuram on Wednesday.(PTI)

Do you think the win in Kerala was much more than a routine victory?

Yes. People were waiting for an opportunity to boot out the most corrupt regime the state had ever seen. Corruption, nepotism and decadence were visible everywhere. It is a clear message for leaders that people can’t be taken for granted.

When you were celebrating in Kerala, the Left was reeling under a defeat in Bengal

Situations in the two states are different. In Bengal, people weren’t allowed to vote in a free and fair manner. Even after polls, violence is continuing there. Since such an atmosphere was not prevalent here, we were able to expose UDF’s misrule.

The BJP has opened its account in Kerala. Do you think the saffron party can emerge a strong opposition to Left in the state?

No. Despite parading many bigwigs, including PM Modi, it couldn’t do much. They pumped in money like anything. Their leaders flew around in copters. Despite all that people gave us a clear mandate.

You often blame the Congress for the saffron surge in Kerala

True. In Kerala, it (Congress) is always soft towards BJP with an aim to counter us. The party will have to pay a heavy price for it. In Nemom, where the BJP won, Congress fielded a comparatively weak candidate.

It is said that party veteran VS Achuthanandan is waiting to corner you. How will you accommodate him?

No comments.