Kerala Chief Minister Dismisses UDF's Allegations of BJP Deal, Accuses Congress of Collaboration
In a fiery press conference held in Thiruvalla on Monday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan categorically dismissed the United Democratic Front's (UDF) allegations of a clandestine 'deal' between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Palakkad. Vijayan launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and the UDF, claiming they have historically aided the BJP's electoral ambitions in the state.
Congress as BJP's "B-Team" and the Nemom Controversy
The Chief Minister reiterated his longstanding accusation that the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi function as the "B-team" of the BJP. He asserted that the Congress has demonstrated no ethical reservations in aligning with or enabling the saffron party's agenda. To substantiate his claim, Vijayan pointed to the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections.
"Everyone is aware that the Co-Le-B alliance—Congress, Muslim League, and BJP—was formed long ago to facilitate the BJP's entry into the state assembly. When that strategy failed, the Congress directly assisted the BJP in opening its account from the Nemom constituency. Initially, our warnings were dismissed, but history proved us right. Later, our comrade V. Sivankutty won the seat and closed the BJP's lone chapter in the assembly," Vijayan stated emphatically.
He further criticized the Congress for its reaction to the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal by the BJP-led central government, alleging that Congress members celebrated the event with fireworks, revealing their tacit support for actions against political opponents.
Clarity on the Sabarimala Gold Heist Case
Addressing the sensitive Sabarimala gold heist case, the Chief Minister defended his government's handling of the investigation. He explained that the initial complaint stemmed from revelations made by Unnikrishnan Potty. The subsequent discovery of the dwarapalaka (temple guardian) pedestal at his sister's residence indicated malicious intent behind his statements, according to Vijayan.
He detailed that as other complexities emerged, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the state government adopted a transparent and firm stance. The investigation prompted numerous complaints, with the High Court eventually providing legal clarity. Vijayan noted that former TDB chief Padmakumar received bail due to procedural delays in filing the chargesheet. He emphasized that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had also internally disciplined Padmakumar by relieving him of all responsibilities, adhering to the party's established protocols.
Response to Church Leader's Remarks and LDF's Governance Record
When questioned about comments from former Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Coorilos of the Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church regarding a potential change in governance in Kerala, Vijayan expressed disbelief. "I hold the belief that Coorilos would not make such a statement. He is a leader who speaks with wisdom and understanding," the CM remarked.
Vijayan confidently stated that the people of Kerala desire the continuation of the LDF's popular policies and predicted an even more resounding victory for the front in the upcoming elections. He accused right-wing parties of attempting to mislead the public through the dissemination of falsehoods and the promotion of communal discord.
Highlighting LDF's Welfare Achievements and Future Vision
The Chief Minister extensively cataloged the welfare and developmental milestones achieved by the LDF government over its two terms. He asserted that the government has fully implemented the manifestos presented during the previous two elections.
Key achievements highlighted include:
- Implementation of comprehensive welfare pension schemes.
- Initiatives significantly covering public medical expenses, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs by an estimated 60% through government intervention.
- Performance of 10 liver transplant surgeries in government hospitals.
- Establishment of catheterization labs (cath labs) in district hospitals.
- A successful revival of the state's health sector, which he described as being "on ventilator support" prior to LDF's tenure.
Pinarayi Vijayan concluded by affirming that the government's next objective is to further elevate Kerala's progress, building on the foundational work accomplished during its tenure.
