‘Kerala will bounce back in record time’

the world on how to deal with such a calamity. During the hour of crisis, we demonstrated unity of action. All sections, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, gender, politics and profession, worked together to pull up the state. Various central agencies also pitched in wholeheartedly. You would have seen the way the state expressed its gratitude to different sections.

The fact that the Opposition is back in attack mode is proof of the return of normalcy in the state. It is not because of any particular fallout. It is politics as usual. Come another crisis, we will get the bipartisanship mode back.

But your government has been criticised on how the dams were managed. Will there be any audit on its functioning?

We have an efficient dam authority under the chairmanship of retired justice CN Ramachandran Nair. All positive suggestions to improve its oper- ations will be considered. However, there will not be any review based on allegations of shortfalls in dam management. One has to realise that the state experienced heavy rainfall, which led to the filling of dams. However, we will definitely conduct a study on how to manage dams during crisis like this in the future.

A war of words is playing out with the Centre on the supposed offer of the ~700 crore aid by the United Arab Emirates and help from Thailand. The UAE ambassador to India has said that no official aid has been communicated so far. How does Kerala plan to take on this issue with the Centre?

The UAE has formally conveyed its interest in assisting Kerala. In fact, I understand that this was conveyed to the Prime Minister. It is an undisputable fact. However, it is for the Centre to take a decision on accepting the aid from the UAE. I believe that the Union govern- ment will take a positive stance and support Kerala in these difficult times. The UAE has spoken about the contribution of Indians, especially Malayali diaspora, in their nation-building. I don’t want to discuss this topic any further as our position has been put across without any ambiguity.

Has the Centre shortfused Kerala as it is governed by the Left Democratic Front and not by a likeminded party?

Kerala has been one of the most vocal voices of federalism, and it will remain so. The question about which party is ruling at the Centre or in the state should be insignificant on matters of disaster management. The stance of the Union government has been very positive during the calamity and I have personally appreciated it. We are in constant touch with the Centre on this issue.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been trading charges over the release of water from the Mullaperiyar Dam. Did Tamil Nadu turn a deaf ear to the request to not release water from the dam?

There were some issues regarding the management of Mullaperiyar Dam. We have raised our concerns. However, Tamil Nadu and Kerala share a deep friendship, so these issues will be resolved in an amicable way. During the crisis, the people of Tamil Nadu and its government supported Kerala in a big way.

Do you attribute the lack of proper dam management or the heavy downpour that the state witnessed to the recent tragedy? Or was it a combination of both the factors?

People who blame the management of the dams are obfuscating. The floods were a result of the unprecedented, extreme and severe rains. It was further aggravated by the three-day storm in the second week of August. Almost all rivers were overflowing. In fact, proper dam management helped to prevent a bigger catastrophe. There is no ambiguity on this, science and data are clear.

Kerala’s youth have shown courage and poured out to help those in need. How do you intend to harness their skills, ideas and minds in the state’s reconstruction?

Kerala’s inclusive model has helped the state attain high levels of human development indices at par with the developed world. These gains are not going to get washed away in one flood. At present, the mood in Kerala is not what one normally expects from a state affected by a disaster of this scale. There is a lot of sorrow for the lost ones, despair over the losses, but hopes and aspirations are also high.

There is a saying, in every crisis also lies an opportunity. The crisis has instilled new vigour and vitality that we can build a new trajectory. It is not just the youth, but the people of Kerala as a whole have committed to the rebuilding of the state. One of the most memorable images from the flood-affected areas includes that of a 73-yearold lady who has lost everything but is not willing to be defeated. She promises that she will fight back and will win everything she has lost. There are many like her and they will ensure that Kerala will sail through its present difficulties.

We are now a few months away from the general elections (scheduled in 2019). Will a Federal Front become a reality? Do you think that such a political grouping will be able to take on the Bharatiya Janata Partyled NDA?

This is not the right time to discuss a Federal Front. The CPI(M) — Communist Party of India (Marxist) — believes that there is no need for a Federal Front now. A decision for a larger national alliance rises only after the elections. Such formations have taken place in the past and there will be more like them in the future. The CPI(M) is committed to removing the BJP from the Centre. The BJP is following and implementing policies detrimental for the country. Their policies are only an extension of those followed by the Congress.