Kozhikode: The approach by Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is not one that strengthens the INDIA alliance; instead, it often helps the BJP, said CPM politburo member and opposition leader in the assembly Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday.
Vijayan was reacting to Gandhi's reported comment that he would not hug the former due to political rivalry. Vijayan said hugging is something that is done only occasionally. “When Rahul and I meet, we either greet each other with a bow or shake hands. Hugging doesn’t usually happen. But I saw a photo of him hugging someone — Rahul going up to (PM) Modi and embracing him,” he said.
Gandhi's manner of speaking shows how he perceives the INDIA platform, said Vijayan. “The INDIA alliance has reached a peculiar situation today. Not just us, other major parties, including Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, have raised their voices against Congress’s position in the meeting. We’ve also seen where DMK now stands. All of this has been triggered by Gandhi’s approach. Instead of strengthening the INDIA alliance, it has taken a stance that eventually helps the BJP,” he alleged.
Vijayan also slammed the state government for its handling of the Nipah situation. “I’m not talking about the efforts by doctors. In a matter like this, the health department and government must take the initiative to fully mobilise the health system and intervene accordingly. Unfortunately, no such initiative is visible here,” he said.
None of the recent health ministers in the state were medical graduates, he said. “Yet everyone knows how the government machinery, including the health minister, was prepared during the tough phases, and at what stages and in what ways interventions were carried out,” he added.
The health minister has not visited or intervened in anything so far, Vijayan said. “The minister’s presence at the site can alert everyone connected with the department, making it possible to take proper action. But that hasn’t happened and that’s not the right approach. Everyone knows how grave Nipah is. Yet, the government hasn’t so far shown the level of vigilant action required. At least now, it should,” he said.
Vijayan also criticised the government for appointing a lawyer, who previously represented the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, as special counsel for the devaswom department.
