Active Stocks
Thu Mar 28 2024 15:59:33
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 155.90 2.00%
  1. ICICI Bank share price
  2. 1,095.75 1.08%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,448.20 0.52%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 428.55 0.13%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 277.05 2.21%
Business News/ Elections / Lok Sabha Elections 2019/  BJP will not be a deciding factor in Kerala‘s Lok Sabha polls: Oommen Chandy
BackBack

BJP will not be a deciding factor in Kerala‘s Lok Sabha polls: Oommen Chandy

In my entire life, I have worked in Kerala politics. My desire is to continue doing that. I don’t have any ulterior motives or agenda, says Oommen Chandy
  • Chandy said the party is trying to bring in more than five fresh faces in the poll fray in 2019
  • Premium

    Opinion polls say the Congress party in Kerala is headed for a big victory in the forthcoming general elections. In an interview, former Congress chief minister Oommen Chandy said he has no intention to contest the Lok Sabha polls, though he is seen as the party’s most popular face in the state. Chandy’s candidature would have simultaneously boosted the morale of party cadres, and cleared the way for rival and current opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala to stake claim for chief ministership in the next assembly polls. Chandy said the party is trying to bring in more than five fresh faces in the poll fray in 2019. Edited excerpts:

    You finish 50 years in politics next year. Do you plan to retire? That would mean you will not be chief minister again.

    (Smiles) I first contested on 17 September 1970. And then, so far, I’ve fought 11 elections. All of them I’ve won from the same constituency, Puthuppally (in Kottayam district). All these years, I was given more than what I deserve by my party and by the people. So, I am completely satisfied. But I still don’t know if I was able to contribute to the public on a par with the love I received. So no, I have not made any plans for retirement.

    What is the importance of this parliament election?

    This is the most important election for India. The setback over the last five years... the country has not faced such a setback since independence. Most important out of it is the destruction of the values imbibed in our minds by the independence era leaders. So, the next election will be a contest of two ideas, as represented by two parties: the idea of democracy versus the anti-democratic force. Democracy has always won in such contests.

    Is Kerala looking at a triangular contest between Congress, CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist) and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)?

    I don’t believe the BJP will be a deciding factor in Kerala. Here, the contest is still between the UDF and the LDF (the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the CPM-led Left Democratic Front). The BJP is also hit by the loss of face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    What explains this upbeat mood despite being in opposition? What do you think are the major drawbacks of the state government?

    The people have lost all trust in both centre and state governments. A government has to express its commitment and responsibility to the people who elected them. Here, it is, more than anything else, just stubborn and wily.

    Is this in reference to Sabarimala? Will Sabarimala be the biggest deciding agenda?

    That people have to decide. The Marxist party tried to implement their political agenda on Sabarimala. The BJP tried to make the state a battlefield over the issue. Both parties have lost the trust of the public by intimidating and threatening them. In a democracy, a government’s power does not rest with the power of its police or army, it rests with the trust of the people. We have lost that trust in both centre and state governments.

    If you contest Lok Sabha polls, some say it would boost the morale of the cadres, while others see it as a ploy to keep you away from the state. What is your preference?

    In my entire life, I have worked in Kerala politics. My desire is to continue doing that. I don’t have any ulterior motives or agenda in this. It is just that my preferred working field is in Kerala. This is where I want to be.

    Are you facing some pressure to contest?

    No; nothing at all. It is just media speculation.

    What about the election campaign?

    I’ll be there (in Kerala) for the entire duration of the elections. Now that I have the responsibility of Andhra Pradesh, I may have to spend some time over there too (Chandy was elevated to Congress general secretary post and was given charge of Andhra Pradesh last year).

    Many young leaders are coming up in Kerala’s Congress. Do you see this as a generational change in Kerala politics?

    The presence and leadership of young people are a necessity. Without that, all political organizations will stagnate. (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi is very particular about this. Not just in theory, it is reflected in his actions too.

    Can we then expect to see more fresh faces rather than sitting MPs and senior leaders in the candidate’s list?

    Definitely. Given the circumstances, we are trying our best. We are trying to see if we can give tickets to more than five fresh names.

    Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

    Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
    More Less
    Published: 19 Feb 2019, 12:28 AM IST
    Next Story footLogo
    Recommended For You
    Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App